Bad breath is an unfortunate problem that affects millions of people around the world. Most of the time it is caused by poor oral hygiene, health problems, or certain foods and drinks.
If you’re dealing with unpleasant breath, there are many different foods and drinks that you can consume to fight it. In this article, we will discuss the best foods and drinks to help you combat bad breath and have fresh breath all day long.
1. Water
Water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to fight bad breath. When you drink water, it helps to flush out the bacteria and food particles that can cause bad breath.
Additionally, it helps to keep your mouth moist which is important since dry mouth can cause halitosis.
2. Tea
Green tea and peppermint tea both have compounds that can help to fight bad breath. Green tea contains catechins which have been shown to reduce the compounds that cause bad breath.
Peppermint tea contains menthol which can help to freshen your breath and also has antibacterial properties that can help to kill the bacteria that cause bad breath.
3. Yogurt
Yogurt is another food that can help to fight bad breath. It contains probiotics which are healthy bacteria that help to keep your gut healthy. These bacteria can also help to neutralize the bacteria that cause bad breath.
Just make sure to choose a yogurt that doesn’t contain added sugars since those can cause cavities which can lead to bad breath.
4. Celery and Carrots
Celery and carrots are both crunchy vegetables that can help to scrub your teeth and remove plaque buildup. Plaque buildup can cause bad breath, so eating these vegetables regularly can help to prevent bad breath from forming.
5. Parsley
Parsley is a herb that is commonly used as a garnish, but it can also help to fight bad breath. It contains chlorophyll which can help to neutralize the compounds that cause bad breath.
Chewing on a sprig of parsley after a meal can help to freshen your breath and also provide some extra vitamins and minerals.
6. Apples
Apples are another crunchy fruit that can help to scrub your teeth and remove plaque buildup. They also contain polyphenols which can fight bad breath by neutralizing the compounds that cause it.
7. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice that is commonly used in desserts and coffee, but it can also help to fight bad breath. It contains essential oils that can kill the bacteria that cause bad breath.
You can chew on a stick of cinnamon after a meal or add it to your coffee or tea to get the benefits.
8. Berries
Berries such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are all high in vitamin C which can help to fight bad breath.
Vitamin C can neutralize the compounds that cause bad breath and also help to prevent gum disease which is another cause of halitosis.
9. Fennel
Fennel is a vegetable that is commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine. It contains anethole which has been shown to help fight bad breath and also has antibacterial properties that can help to kill the bacteria that cause it.
You can use fennel seeds in cooking or chew on the fresh leaves after a meal.
10. Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons are high in vitamin C which can help to fight bad breath. They also contain acids that can help to break down food particles that can cause bad breath.
However, be careful not to consume too much citrus since it can erode the enamel on your teeth which can lead to more dental problems.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many different foods and drinks that can help you fight bad breath. By incorporating these foods into your diet, you can help to keep your breath fresh all day long.
However, be sure to also practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly and visiting your dentist for regular checkups.