Changing Your Diet Could Mean Fresher Breath

Bad breath is usually caused by certain foods we eat and the breakdown of food particles in our mouths by bacteria. Everyone has experienced the embarrassment of a bad breath moment. We may ask to “cut the onions” just to save face later and not have to deal with onion breath. Some foods like cabbage and garlic have a high sulfuric compound content which in turn cause halitosis. Bad breath is notoriously caused by certain foods – for instance, garlic, onions and some fish – and by diets rich in fat and meat. When these foods are digested, the smelly metabolites pass to the lungs where they are exhaled. In one study, even rubbing garlic on the feet led to bad breath! Missing meals, hunger fasting, starvation and low-calorie diets can also cause malodorous “hunger breath,” as the breakdown products of body proteins used for energy are exhaled.

Management of bad breath includes attention to diet, avoiding anything known to cause the malodour. “Hunger breath” is avoided by eating regularly. Anything that promotes saliva flow, chewing and tongue action can reduce mouth malodour (even if it’s only gum or parsley). Strategies may include eating oranges or other citrus (acidic) fruits, chewing fibrous vegetables (such as celery), sucking lemon drops or chewing sugarless gum. One dentists notes that “rinsing with lots of tap water may not be helpful as it washes away the protective saliva and may worsen rather than diminish the odour.” Medications that are mouth-drying (such as antihistamines, antidepressants, anticoagulants) might be replaced with other, less drying forms. Persistent bad breath may require the attention of a periodontist, otolaryngologist, halitosis expert or other specialist.

Practice good dental health by brushing teeth and tongue after every meal. See a dentist for a thorough tooth cleaning every six months. Drink generous amounts of water. Use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria and shed dead cells. Keep toothbrushes clean between uses and replace them monthly. Use dental floss and a chlorophyll mouthwash daily. Do not smoke. Avoid spicy foods, beer, coffee, whiskey, wine and foods that stick to and between teeth. If bad breath is associated with indigestion, try taking supplements that support healthy digestion. Chew sugar-free gum for a minute or two at a time, especially if the mouth feels dry. Chewing parsley, mint, cloves or fennel seeds may also help. If bad breath gets worse, consult a doctor.

Try replacing animal protein with an increased amount of high fiber enzyme-rich fruits and vegetables. Chew on crunchy raw fruit and veggies throughout the day; good choices include apples, pears, carrots, and sprigs or fresh parsley. Watch out for processed foods. Reduce your intake of sugary foods and other simple carbohydrates that promote tooth decay

The foods eaten also are a potential cause of halitosis. Certain foods, such as garlic, onions and certain spices are frequently cited as cause for a person’s bad breath. Both vegetarians and those who eat large quantities of meat may develop bad breath due, in part, to the digestive process. Digestion begins in the mouth. Saliva has enzymes which begin the digestion process, and the type of food eaten can affect the food chemistry of the mouth. Saliva will also pick up odors from food within several hours after it has been eaten. Odors are strongest from carbohydrates – sugars, starches and cellulose, less strong from proteins, and nonexistent from fats. Bacteria in the mouth react with the decaying food and drink residue and can be the source of the foul odor.

Eliminating certain types of foods, such as high-fat foods, meat, sugar, exotic spices, and dairy products is the next step in pin-pointing the cause of bad breath. The types of food you eat may be one of the reasons for your bad breath. Acidic foods, for instance, create an environment for bacterial growth. High-fat and high-protein foods may not digest well and give off gas. Some people have a hard time metabolizing meat and dairy products, with the result being bad breath.
Sugary foods are a problem as the bacteria in the back of the throat feed off the sugar.
Garlic, onions and exotic spices (such as curry) are common sources of problems for many people. As these foods are digested certain compounds are transmitted from the blood through the lungs and exhaled for up to 24 hours.
Cheeses, such as blue, Camembert and Roquefort, fish, especially canned tuna and anchovies, and spicy deli meats are often the culprits.
Beverages such as coffee and tea are other possible sources of bad breath. They are both very acidic. Cut back on these and see what happens.
Eat more fruits, especially kiwi, papaya, and pineapple, which contain digestive enzymes. Leafy green vegetables are very important too.