Bad breath doesn't have to be a problem. Some medical conditions will cause bad breath, so it's not always food or hygiene-related, but many times it is best to be aware of the food you eat that may impact your breath. There are many ways to combat bad breath and still enjoy the foods you love. Here are some foods that can cause bad breath and our tips for freshening up after consuming them.
Why Do Some Foods Cause Bad Breath?
All foods can impact your breath. When we eat, food debris can stick to our teeth and tongue, providing a nice meal for the germs in our mouth. When germs feed on food, especially carbohydrates, they produce acids that give off an odour. On top of mouth germs, strong-smelling foods can also cause bad breath when they enter the bloodstream. However, you don't have to avoid flavourful foods on account of protecting your breath. There are products you can use and habits you can adopt to freshen your breath after a meal.
Garlic, Onions and Spicy Foods
Lots of spicy foods, including chilis, peppers and spices, can give you bad breath. Garlic and onions can also linger long after you finish the meal. When you digest garlic and onions, their chemicals enter your bloodstream, travel to your lungs, and you then breathe them out!
Tip: Promptly chew sugar-free gum or brush your teeth after eating spicy or aromatic meals to help treat bad breath while eating the foods you love.
Coffee and Alcoholic Beverages
According to the United States National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, caffeinated and alcoholic beverages can cause dry mouth. Dry mouth also happens while we sleep, leading to "morning breath". But when you consume drinks that dry out your mouth, morning breath can strike at any time of the day.
Tip: Make it a habit to drink water before and after enjoying caffeinated or alcoholic beverages to help reduce dry mouth and freshen breath.
Tuna and Other Fish
Tuna and other fish are filling, high in protein, and delicious! However, tuna and other canned fish have a specific "fishy" odour. According to the American Society of Nutrition, trimethylamine (TMA) causes this odour, which can stick around long after your meal.
Tip: Splash lemon or vinegar onto fish before eating. Acidic ingredients can help TMA bind to water, reducing its potency. Alternatively, chewing sugar-free gum and brushing your teeth after eating may also help with the odour.
How to Fight Bad Breath
Remember, a proper oral care routine can help your breath smell fresh, even if you indulge in these aromatic foods and beverages. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day or after meals will help remove food debris and germs. Cleaning between your teeth with floss, water flossers, or interdental brushes and rinsing with a mouthwash or antiseptic mouthrinse also help ensure you have fresh breath. Further, you can eat foods that fight bad breath. According to the University of Michigan, eating a low-fat diet with lots of fruits and vegetables can help you breathe easy.
