Foods That Cause Bad Breath

We think it’s safe to say that no one wants to have bad breath. While it might seem trivial, having bad breath has the power to bring your self-confidence down and negatively affect your relationships. While there are plenty of causes of bad breath, from dry mouth to certain medications, one of the most common culprits is food.

In this blog post, we give an overview of some foods that can cause a foul mouth odor. Be careful about when and where you eat them. Right before a big interview or during a first date might not be the best course of action. Additionally, remember to rinse your mouth out with water and pop in some sugar-free gum after enjoying one of the following.

Garlic

If you’ve ever cooked with garlic, then you know how potent its smell can be! When you eat that garlic, its stinky compounds enter your bloodstream and can transfer to your breath.

But don’t avoid eating garlic! It promotes heart health, reduces your risk of cancer, can lower your cholesterol, reduces inflammation, and helps fight infection.

Onions

Onions are right up there with garlic when it comes to food that causes bad breath. Its compounds also make their way into your bloodstream and out through your mouth.

However, like garlic, onions shouldn’t be avoided. Onions add flavor to a dish, decreasing the need for salt (which can raise your blood pressure) and sugar (which increases your risk of cavities and diabetes). Onions also contain substances that reduce triglycerides and cholesterol levels, inflammation, and blood pressure, all which consequently decrease your risk of blood clots and heart disease.

Canned Tuna

Tuna and other canned fish like sardines are good sources of nutrients, such as protein and vitamin D. But it’s considerate to eat the tuna salad at home instead of the office break room to avoid a fishy smell on your breath and in the air.

Coffee

This popular beverage can dry out your mouth. Less saliva means odor-causing bacteria sticks around longer.

For more dental-related tips, Bright Smiles Dental is there for you! Our family-friendly dental office in Lowell would love to help you enjoy your very best smile. We offer a wide range of services to suit the oral health needs of all ages. Just call or email us today to set up your next appointment with us!

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Categorised in: Oral Health