No one wants bad breath, also known as halitosis. Not only is it embarrassing, but it can also be a sign of underlying health issues.
While brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash are essential for fresh breath, what you eat can also have a significant impact on your oral hygiene. Here are thirty foods that can help eliminate the causes of bad breath.
1. Apples
The crunchy texture of apples can naturally clean your teeth, and its high water content helps flush out bacteria that cause bad breath.
2. Pineapple
Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which can break down proteins and eliminate the bacteria that cause bad breath.
3. Carrots
Like apples, carrots have a crunchy texture that can naturally clean teeth. They also contain Vitamin A, which helps maintain healthy saliva production.
4. Celery
Celery is another crunchy vegetable that promotes saliva production, which can help wash away bacteria that cause bad breath.
5. Yogurt
Yogurt contains healthy bacteria, or probiotics, that can reduce the levels of bacteria that cause bad breath.
6. Cheese
Cheese is high in calcium, which can help neutralize acid in your mouth that causes bad breath. It also contains compounds that can kill bacteria.
7. Almonds
Almonds are high in fiber, which can promote saliva production and help eliminate bacteria that cause bad breath.
8. Cinnamon
Cinnamon contains essential oils that can reduce bacteria in the mouth and give your breath a pleasant scent.
9. Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds have antibacterial properties that can fight bad breath. They also contain essential oils that can freshen your breath.
10. Parsley
Parsley is a natural breath freshener and is often used as a garnish to freshen breath after meals.
11. Water
Drinking plenty of water can help flush out bacteria and prevent dry mouth, which can cause bad breath.
12. Green Tea
Green tea contains catechins, antioxidants that can reduce bacteria and improve oral hygiene.
13. Mint
Mint leaves or oil can freshen breath and kill bacteria that cause bad breath.
14. Ginger
Ginger has antibacterial properties that can fight bad breath. It can also improve digestion, which can help prevent halitosis.
15. Cucumber
Cucumber has a high water content, which can flush out bacteria in the mouth that cause bad breath.
16. Kiwi
Kiwi contains enzymes that can break down protein and reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth that cause bad breath.
17. Cranberries
Cranberries contain compounds that can prevent bacteria from sticking to teeth and causing bad breath.
18. Broccoli
Broccoli is high in fiber and Vitamin C, which can promote oral health and prevent bad breath.
19. Spinach
Spinach is high in Vitamin C and folic acid, which can help prevent gum disease and bad breath.
20. Cauliflower
Cauliflower is high in fiber and Vitamin C, which can promote oral health and prevent bad breath.
21. Cherries
Cherries contain compounds that can fight bacteria and freshen breath.
22. Basil
Basil contains essential oils that can reduce bacteria in the mouth and freshen breath.
23. Lemon
Lemon contains citric acid, which can stimulate saliva production and prevent dry mouth that can cause bad breath.
24. Watermelon
Watermelon is high in water content, which can flush out bacteria in the mouth and prevent bad breath.
25. Oranges
Oranges contain Vitamin C, which can promote oral health and prevent gum disease and bad breath.
26. Grapefruit
Grapefruit contains Vitamin C and antibacterial compounds that can prevent gum disease and bad breath.
27. Blueberries
Blueberries contain compounds that can reduce inflammation in the gums and prevent bad breath.
28. Strawberries
Strawberries contain antioxidants and malic acid, which can naturally whiten teeth and freshen breath.
29. Pears
Pears contain fiber and water, which can promote saliva production and help flush out bacteria that cause bad breath.
30. Mint Leaves
Mint leaves have antibacterial properties that can fight bad breath and freshen breath with their natural scent.
Conclusion
If you want to eliminate the causes of bad breath, including bacteria and dry mouth, incorporating some of these thirty foods into your diet can make a significant difference.
Not only will you enjoy fresher breath, but you’ll also benefit from improved oral hygiene and overall health.