Can Certain Foods Cause Bad Breath?

Are you one of the many people fighting bad breath? Are you constantly asking yourself, “what is the cause and how do I eliminate bad breath”? “How can I fight bad breath?”

Bad breath, otherwise known as halitosis is caused by the buildup of methyl mercaptan gas in the mouth while eating. Also, when food particles are not flushed away and remain within your mouth, bacteria begin to grow. It is for both of these reasons that you are left with bad breath.

We have good news! There are foods out there that can help to get rid of the nasty smell in your mouth.

Bad Breath Statistics

Statistics show that all people suffer from bad breath at some point in their life. It is estimated that over 80 million Americans suffer from chronic halitosis. Between 35 and 45 percent of people in the world have some level of bad breath.

If you are within the 35 to 45 percent, we are happy to share our “Bad Breath Diet“, a list of foods that will fight bad breath.

Bad Breath Diet

#1 Water

Water is a vital nutrient for overall health. Water hydrates your body. It helps to cleanse and purge debris that can stick to your tongue and teeth and aids in digestion by flushing food through the digestive system. Another plus is water can prevent you from developing excess plaque, which can cause cavities. 

#2 Apples

Did you ever hear the old saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” well we are happy to say, “an apple a day keeps bad breath away.” Researchers at Ohio State University’s Department of Food Science and Technology have found that because of the high amounts of polyphenols (a type of antioxidant) in apples and high acidity levels, they can banish bad breath and deodorize the enzymes in food such as garlic.

#3 Green Tea

Green tea has been labeled a “superfood.” Scientific studies have shown it to lower cholesterol, prevent Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, and Parkinson’s disease. According to research published in the Archives of Oral Biology, green tea protects oral health. Green tea also contains polyphenols that help to banish bad breath. A study by Israel’s Institute of Technology shows that not only does it banish bad breath and prevent tooth decay, it also helps to prevent mouth cancer.

#4 Cherries

Who would have thought cherries? Yes, they are red and juicy. They destroy the methyl mercaptan gas which builds up while eating. So enjoy your garlic and have a few of those red and juicy cherries after you eat.

#5 Citrus Fruits

Fruits with high vitamin C content such as lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruit consumed in moderate amounts will help to eliminate bad breath. Citrus fruits are known to stimulate saliva glands, which will increase saliva production and, in turn, will flush out harmful bacteria. 

#6 Probiotic Yogurt

Yogurt contains the active cultures, streptococcus thermophiles, and Lactobacillus bulgaricus which are both good bacteria. They prevent the buildup of hydrogen sulfide in your mouth, which causes bad breath.

#7 Whole Milk

Scientists at The Ohio State University, the Department of Food Science and Technology and The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) have found in their research that the fat in whole milk flushes away bad bread associated with garlic. The studies have found that low-fat milk and fat-free milk also decrease terrible odor in the mouth; however, whole milk was the most effective. So let’s say, “a glass of milk a day keeps bad odor away.”

#8 Spinach

How many of us love spinach? Many of us do not like its strong taste. However, do you love garlic and onions? You may want to consider eating spinach after. Spinach contains polyphenol, which will break down the allyl methyl sulfide built up in your mouth after eating garlic and onions. So give it another try. You may like it! 

#9 Lettuce

One cup of lettuce contains 5 to 10 calories. Not bad to eat when trying to lose weight. So let’s show you how it can eliminate your bad breath as well. Lettuce breaks down methyl mercaptan gas that is emitted while you are eating and food particles are being broken down. Not a bad idea, right? Get rid of bad breath and lose weight all at the same time.

#10 Ginger

Ginger is full of nutrients and has been used for healing and cooking for thousands of years. Today it is still used as a natural way to soothe an upset stomach, reduce inflammation, lower blood sugar, relieve menstrual cramps, prevent and shorten the common cold. Evidence has shown that ginger’s high antioxidant content can help to fight off cancer cell growth and may even slow down the aging process. Wow, now that we know ginger has so many health benefits, why not try to use it to ward off your bad breath. 

#11 Parsley

Parsley has a strong flavor and is known to be a natural deodorizer. It contains the compound chlorophyll, which has antibacterial properties that break down sulfur compounds that cause halitosis. 

#12 Basil

Basil is an herb that has all the great benefits of polyphenols, which help to break down the sulfur compounds in your mouth. It is a saliva-producing food that, when combined with garlic, can help to fight bad breath.

#13 Spearmint

Spearmint is leafy greens such as eucalyptus, rosemary, mint, tarragon, and coriander that contain high amounts of chlorophyll. Spearmint is excellent to banish bad breath; however, it is only temporary. 

#14 Sugarless Gum

Oh, how many of us love to chew gum! Did you know that chewing gum can have oral health benefits? Chewing gum loosens food particles and removes dead cells from your teeth that can cause bacteria to build up. It can be good for your overall oral health. However, try to find sugar-free gum with a natural sugar alternative.

#15 Supplements Containing Chlorophyll

We now know that chlorophyll has antibacterial properties that break down sulfur compounds that cause halitosis. The chlorophyll pigment can be found in supplement or liquid form at a health food store. Add it to your diet, and you may be surprised by the effects it may have on your daily halitosis.

We hope you have enjoyed and gained valuable knowledge reading our blog “12 Excellent Foods That Fight Bad Breath.”

If you have tried these foods to fight bad breath and nothing seems to be working, you may have another underlying issue. And while these foods may help to fight bad breath, it is always recommended to visit a dentist either once or twice a year at the very least.

If you are looking for a dentist who has consistently been rated as a Top Dentist in New Jersey, contact Dr. Paul Feldman, Suburban Essex Dental. We are in West Orange, New Jersey, in Essex County and would love to speak with you regarding your dental hygiene.