Health

30 Foods that Trigger Bad Breath: Ways to Combat It

30 Foods that Trigger Bad Breath: Ways to Combat It. Learn which foods to avoid and tips to combat bad breath. Follow good oral hygiene practices to keep your breath fresh by mortimerhill
Estimated reading time: 7 min 22 sec
30 Foods that Trigger Bad Breath: Ways to Combat It Photo by Julia Larson on Pexels

Having bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be a major turnoff both for the people around you and for yourself. While there can be several underlying reasons for bad breath, the food we eat is one of the most common culprits.

Certain foods contain compounds that can make your breath smell unpleasant. Here are 30 foods that trigger bad breath and ways to combat it:.

1. Garlic

Garlic is one of the most notorious foods for causing bad breath. The reason being, it contains a compound called allyl methyl sulfide (AMS) that lingers on your breath long after you have consumed it.

To combat this, you can try chewing on some fresh parsley after eating garlic. Parsley contains chlorophyll, which can help neutralize the odor.

2. Onions

Just like garlic, onions contain compounds that can make your breath smell bad. They contain sulfur compounds that can linger in your mouth for hours. Chewing on some gum or a mint after eating onions can help mask the odor.

3. Fish

Fish, especially when consumed raw, can cause bad breath. This is because of the high levels of amines present in them. Brushing your teeth after eating fish can help get rid of the odor.

Using a tongue scraper can also be helpful in removing any residue left on your tongue.

4. Coffee

Coffee is notorious for causing bad breath. This is because it can dry out your mouth, leading to an increase in the amount of bacteria present in it. Drinking water after consuming coffee can help keep your mouth hydrated and flush out any bacteria.

5. Alcohol

Alcohol can cause bad breath because it dries out your mouth and increases the amount of bacteria present in it. Drinking water in between drinks can help keep your mouth hydrated.

Brushing your teeth and using mouthwash before going to bed can also help get rid of any lingering odor.

6. Spicy foods

Spicy foods can cause bad breath because they contain compounds that can linger in your mouth. Drinking milk or eating some yogurt after consuming spicy foods can help neutralize the odor.

7. Cheese

Cheese contains amino acids that can break down and produce a compound that can cause bad breath. Drinking water after eating cheese can help wash away any residue that might be left on your teeth or tongue.

8. Sugary foods

Sugary foods can increase the amount of bacteria present in your mouth, leading to bad breath. Brushing your teeth, flossing, and using mouthwash after consuming sugary foods can help get rid of any odor.

9. Canned tuna

Canned tuna can cause bad breath because of the high levels of amines present in it. Brushing your teeth and using mouthwash after eating canned tuna can help get rid of the odor.

10. Curry

Curry can cause bad breath because of the spices used in it. Drinking some water or chewing on some gum after consuming curry can help neutralize the odor.

11. Red meat

Red meat contains amino acids that can break down and produce a compound that can cause bad breath. Drinking water after eating red meat can help wash away any residue left on your teeth and tongue.

12. Corn on the cob

Corn on the cob can cause bad breath because of the small bits that get stuck in your teeth. Flossing and using mouthwash after eating corn on the cob can help get rid of any odor.

13. Vinegar

Vinegar can cause bad breath because of its high acidity. Drinking water or eating some bread after consuming vinegar can help neutralize the odor.

14. Beer

Beer can cause bad breath because it dries out your mouth and increases the amount of bacteria present in it. Drinking water in between drinks can help keep your mouth hydrated and flush out any bacteria.

15. Tomatoes

Tomatoes contain acids that can cause bad breath. Drinking water after eating tomatoes can help wash away any residue left on your teeth and tongue.

16. Protein bars

Protein bars contain amino acids that can break down and produce a compound that can cause bad breath. Drinking water after eating protein bars can help wash away any residue left on your teeth and tongue.

17. Popcorn

Popcorn can cause bad breath because of the small bits that get stuck in your teeth. Flossing and using mouthwash after eating popcorn can help get rid of any odor.

18. Ginger

Ginger can cause bad breath because of the volatile oils present in it. Chewing on some fresh mint leaves after consuming ginger can help neutralize the odor.

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19. Hard candy

Hard candy can cause bad breath because it can linger in your mouth for a long time. Brushing your teeth and using mouthwash after consuming hard candy can help get rid of any odor.

20. Peanut butter

Peanut butter can cause bad breath because it contains amino acids that can break down and produce a compound that can cause bad breath. Drinking water after consuming peanut butter can help wash away any residue left on your teeth and tongue.

21. Soda

Soda can cause bad breath because of the high levels of sugar and acidity present in it. Drinking water after consuming soda can help wash away any residue left on your teeth and tongue.

22. Orange juice

Orange juice can cause bad breath because of the high levels of sugar and acidity present in it. Drinking water after consuming orange juice can help wash away any residue left on your teeth and tongue.

23. Blueberries

Blueberries can cause bad breath because of the acids present in them. Drinking water after consuming blueberries can help wash away any residue left on your teeth and tongue.

24. Sour cream

Sour cream can cause bad breath because of the acids present in it. Drinking water after consuming sour cream can help wash away any residue left on your teeth and tongue.

25. BBQ sauce

BBQ sauce can cause bad breath because of the spices and acids present in it. Drinking water after consuming BBQ sauce can help wash away any residue left on your teeth and tongue.

26. Chocolate

Chocolate can cause bad breath because of the high levels of sugar present in it. Drinking water after consuming chocolate can help wash away any residue left on your teeth and tongue.

27. Artificial sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners can cause bad breath because they increase the amount of bacteria present in your mouth. Brushing your teeth and using mouthwash after consuming artificial sweeteners can help get rid of any odor.

28. Mint-flavored foods

Mint-flavored foods can cause bad breath because of the oils present in them. Chewing gum or some fresh parsley after consuming mint-flavored foods can help neutralize the odor.

29. Energy drinks

Energy drinks can cause bad breath because of the high levels of sugar and acidity present in them. Drinking water after consuming energy drinks can help wash away any residue left on your teeth and tongue.

30. Pickles

Pickles can cause bad breath because of the vinegar and spices present in them. Drinking water after consuming pickles can help wash away any residue left on your teeth and tongue.

Ways to combat bad breath

Now that you know which foods can cause bad breath, here are some tips to combat it:.

1. Brush your teeth regularly

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day can help get rid of any food particles that might be stuck in your teeth and tongue. Use fluoride toothpaste and brush your teeth for at least two minutes.

2. Floss daily

Flossing can help get rid of any food particles that might be stuck in between your teeth. Make sure to floss at least once a day.

3. Use mouthwash

Mouthwash can help kill the bacteria present in your mouth and freshen your breath. Use a mouthwash that contains fluoride and antibacterial properties.

4. Hydrate yourself

Drinking plenty of water can help keep your mouth hydrated and flush out any bacteria or food particles that might be present in it. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.

5. Chew sugar-free gum

Chewing sugar-free gum can help stimulate the production of saliva in your mouth, which can help wash away any bacteria or food particles. Choose a gum that contains xylitol, which can help prevent the growth of bacteria.

6. Use a tongue scraper

A tongue scraper can help remove any residue that might be present on your tongue, which can cause bad breath. Use it once a day.

7. See a dentist regularly

Seeing a dentist regularly can help identify any underlying dental issues that might be causing bad breath. They can also clean your teeth and suggest tips to maintain good oral hygiene.

Conclusion

Bad breath can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. But by making some simple changes to your diet and following good oral hygiene practices, you can combat it effectively.

By avoiding the foods mentioned above and implementing the tips listed, you can enjoy fresh breath and maintain good oral health.

Disclaimer: This article serves as general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Individual circumstances may vary.

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