It’s no secret that garlic and onions can cause bad breath, but if you avoid these foods and your breath still smells bad, it’s time to dig deeper into the sneaky saboteurs that might be. the cause.
“Chronic bad breath can be very frustrating, especially when you’re trying to fight it but can’t figure out what the culprit is,” says Cary, a North Carolina-based dentist. Bobbi Stanley, DDS. For some people, bad breath can be genetic, but for others it could be part of your daily routine that you don’t even realize, such as regularly eating certain foods that aren’t generally known for their cutting abilities. the breath.
Below are eight foods that could be contributing to your bad breath and simple solutions you can eliminate when you’re away from your toothbrush.
1. Citrus
Odor-causing bacteria love an acidic environment, so by eating lots of citrus fruits, you’re essentially inviting bad breath to stay, especially if you’re prone to acid reflux, which can cause acids to flow back into your throat and cause odor. nauseating, said Stanley. In addition to being more mindful of how often you eat acidic foods, consider popping a sugar-free candy after citrus fruits to freshen your breath. (The emphasis is on sugar-free, as bacteria also like to feast on sugar.)
2. Protein-rich foods
Eating too much protein (for example, while on a high-protein diet) can lead to bad breath, thanks to the body producing ammonia while breaking down protein during the digestion process. The smell eventually escapes through the mouth, and is often said to smell like cat pee. To help balance the scales when a toothbrush isn’t handy, try eating foods that contain zinc (spinach, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas), which can help control plaque and reduce bad breath, says a New York-based endodontist. Adam S. Harwood, DMD.
3. Canned fish
Unlike fresh fish, canned fish (like tuna and salmon) has had time to oxidize and react to other elements. “What we describe as ‘that fishy smell’ comes from a compound in fish called trimethylamines,” says Harwood. “Unless they bind to another liquid, they tend to linger in the mouth, giving off an unpleasant smell.” In this case, acidic foods might help. Acidic juice from lemons, oranges, or vinegar can help these compounds bind to water, allowing you to flush them out of your mouth with a drink, but if these ingredients aren’t practical, chewing a Sugar-free gum stick can help reduce some of the offending particles, Harwood says.
4. Cheese
“Most dairy products, including cheese, contain amino acids that react with your mouth bacteria to produce sulfur compounds that can make your breath sour,” says Harwood. “When these bacteria feast on milk solids, they create excess hydrogen sulfide.” The result? A mouth that smells of rotten eggs. Mouthwash won’t do much in this case, Harwood says, but brushing with fluoridated toothpaste will help kill the offending bacteria causing the stink. If you can’t brush your teeth right away, drinking water can help flush out bacteria and particles that are camped out in your mouth. And since dental floss is such a travel-friendly hygiene product, keep some floss on hand to quickly expel any dairy-themed particles lurking in the crevices of your teeth.
5. Pasta sauce
Just like citrus fruits, the acidity of tomatoes can cause acid buildup in the mouth and promote the growth of bacteria, says Paul Sussman, DMD, cosmetic dentist at the Center for Cosmetic Dentistry in New York. These pesky bacteria can lead to bad breath. When you eat your next pasta with red sauce, keep a glass of water handy during dinner to keep your mouth flushed and bacteria in check, Sussman says.
6. Peanut butter
Peanut butter is a good source of vegetable protein, but its pasty consistency prevents saliva from breaking down the protein once it’s in the mouth. And because of its sticky consistency, peanut butter can stay in your mouth for hours between brushings. “Bacteria thrive on protein, so the abundance peanut butter provides makes it a primary cause of bad breath,” says the dentist from Crystal Lake, Illinois. Preet Sandhu, DDS. The next time a MUAC craving strikes, consider keeping a travel-sized mouthwash on hand, which can help remove leftovers, reduce bacteria, and freshen breath at the same time.
7. Horseradish
“Like most root vegetables, horseradish contains a chemical compound, isothiocyanate, which lingers long after the spread is consumed,” says Haywood. Because drinking water usually makes the situation worse and can cause discomfort, consuming mint may be the most effective way to combat this particular compound, he adds. After enjoying this potent condiment, drink mint tea or chew mint gum (sugar-free) to help level things out until you hit your toothbrush. This iced mint green tea might do the trick.
8. Coffee
Coffee may be healthy, but the morning drink has a drying effect on the mouth, which reduces saliva flow and allows foul-smelling bacteria to not only grow but linger longer, Harwood says. The best way to balance the scales is to stay hydrated. For example, for every cup of coffee you drink, drink a glass of H20. “Water acts as a constant cleansing agent and dissolves stinky substances, Harwood explains, such as those created by coffee.
The essential
Even if you avoid garlic and onions, there may be other bad breath culprits behind the smell. Other foods and beverages, such as cheese, peanut butter, and coffee, can cause your bad breath. Fortunately, good dental hygiene, such as flossing, using mouthwash, drinking water, or chewing sugar-free gum, can help your mouth feel fresh again.