When regular brushing and using mouthwash just don't seem to be solving your bad breath problem, it's time to turn to a different solution---the foods you eat. Certain foods have been shown to help prevent and get rid of bad breath, otherwise known as halitosis. Eating these foods, however, should not be a replacement or alternative for regular brushing or flossing.
Tea
If you're struggling with bad breath and also don't mind the occasional cup of tea, you might be in luck. According to researchers at the University of Chicago, green and black teas in particular contain polyphenols, a type of antioxidant effective against bacteria. The polyphenols in green and black tea seem to be especially effective against the bacteria and microorganisms that feed on excess food particles left in the mouth after eating which contribute to bad breath, says Dr. Christine Wu of the University of Chicago. Not only do the polyphenols kill the bacteria, they also help to suppress the foul odors that the bacteria produce. The same research showed that caffeinated tea is more effective than its non-caffeinated counterpart at fighting the same bacteria.
Yogurt
Your favorite breakfast food may also be your best friend at getting rid of that nasty morning breath, according to the American Dental Association. The live bacteria cultures in yogurt fight those same odor-causing bacteria, especially on the tongue. Japanese researchers showed that just two 3 oz. servings of non-sugar yogurt can help prevent and kill bacteria in the mouth as well as decrease hydrogen-sulfide, the foul-smelling odor put off by bacteria. Sugar-free yogurt is good for your diet as well, providing protein and a regular serving of dairy.
Xylitol Gum
One of the best ways to prevent and treat bad breath is to make sure any food particles left over after a meal don't stay in the mouth for too long. When brushing isn't convenient, chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol, otherwise known as sugar alcohol, can help flush food particles out of the mouth, preventing bacteria from feeding on them and causing bad breath. Sugar-free gum has been shown to reduce tooth decay by encouraging saliva flow after eating, which flushes the mouth with essential minerals to scrape food particles off the teeth.
