Also known as halitosis, bad breath can be an unpleasant occurrence that can affect you socially and personally. A number of factors can contribute to bad breath, including things you eat and bacteria that reside in the mouth, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. These foods and beverages can include onions, garlic, cheese, spices, orange juice and soda. In addition to brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste, you can eat certain foods to reduce or eliminate your bad breath.
Yogurt
According to CBS News, the live active cultures in yogurt can reduce odor-causing sulfites in the mouth. Sulfites are found in foods such as meats, wine and other foods that are high in protein or fat. Another benefit of eating yogurt is that it can destroy unhealthy bacteria in the mouth and stomach, resulting in fewer incidences of bad breath.
However, not all yogurt is created equal in regard to fighting bad breath. You should choose yogurt that does not have sugar added to it as the sugar can result in increased tooth decay, according to CBS News. Choosing yogurts that are labeled as low-fat or fat-free also will increase your health benefits. Yogurts fortified with vitamin D can help to reduce bacteria in the mouth as well because vitamin D creates an unfavorable environment for bacterial growth.
Lemons
Although mouth-puckering to the taste, the citric acid in lemons can help to neutralize bad-breath smells, such as from onions or garlic, according to Health 911. To increase the breath-fighting benefits, add a pinch of salt to a lemon wedge and eat the pulp and salt to further reduce bad breath smells.
Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables
Crunchy fruits and vegetables--such as apples, carrots and celery are all beneficial in treating bad breath. These fiber-rich foods help to increase saliva production in the mouth, according to FitSugar.com. The increased saliva can help bacteria and other bad-smelling particles out of your mouth, mproving your breath. The American Academy of Family Physicians also recommends consuming more fruits and vegetables and less meat to improve halitosis symptoms.
Foods High in Vitamin C
Incorporating vitamin C-containing foods such as oranges, melons and berries can create an environment where bacteria cannot reside, according to FitSugar.com. Vitamin C also can prevent conditions that contribute to bad breath, such as gum disease and gingivitis. You should accept no substitutes, such as vitamins, however, because vitamins have been linked with stomach upset and increased incidence of bad breath, according to Cynthia Sass, American Dietetic Association spokeswoman and registered dietitian on FitSugar.com. Instead, always incorporate your vitamin C sources from foods.
