There can be different causes of bad breath or halitosis. It could be the result of poor oral hygiene, in which case the best way to fight is just to brush and floss more regularly. In other cases, it may be the result of an underlying health condition. And bad breath can also be caused by the food you’ve eaten. You’ve probably all experienced the strong whiff of breath after eating raw onions or garlicky foods.

Whatever the cause of your bad breath, there are also certain foods and drinks that can help you through it. Some are good for simply masking the odor with a more pleasant one, while others can actually help to fight the bacteria that causes bad breath.

Water

A dry mouth, which can be caused by dehydration, is a common cause of bad breath. If you don’t drink enough and stay hydrated, then you’re more likely to suffer from bad breath. Drinking water regularly helps to keep your mouth hydrated and fight off bad breath. Water can also help to rinse away food particles leftover after eating that could cause bad breath.

Gum or breath mints

Chewing gum or sucking breath mints will help to keep your breath minty fresh, masking any unpleasant odors. They also help to promote saliva production, again fighting dry mouth and helping to wash away bacteria and food particles. Just make sure to opt for sugarless gum and mints to keep your teeth healthy.

Raw fruit and veggies

Eating any kind of fruit or vegetable that has a crunch is good for your teeth and mouth. Apples, celery, and carrots are all good examples. The crunch and the fiber of these foods can act as a kind of toothbrush for your teeth, brushing plaque and bacteria from the surface of your teeth. Like gum, these foods also help to promote saliva production. Fruit that’s high in vitamin C, like oranges, has the added benefit of fighting bacteria and improving overall gum health.

Yogurt

Yogurt can help to fight the bad bacteria in your mouth that causes bad breath and other oral health problems. Opt for natural yogurt that isn’t sweetened and doesn’t have lots of added flavorings. Probiotic yogurt is a good choice as this has lots of good bacteria that can help neutralize the harmful bacteria.

Green tea

The catechins found in green tea have an antioxidant effect that can also fight the bacteria that leads to bad breath, plaque, and gum disease. It also contains polyphenols that have been found to break down the sulfur compounds in foods like garlic that cause the bad smells.

If you frequently experience bad breath, then book an appointment with your family dentist to properly diagnose the problem and for advice on how to keep bad breath at bay. You can contact Advance Family Dental for oral healthcare around Bermuda Run, Winston Salem, Clemmons, and Lewisville, NC.