Halitosis also referred to as bad breath is an embarrassing condition that can cause anxiety in social situations. Approximately one in four people experience halitosis at some time in their life, according to Pat Crissey and Noah Crissey, authors of the book "Personal Hygiene? What's That Got to Do With Me?" The cause varies, but certain foods, dry mouth, medical conditions, poor dental hygiene and tobacco products can contribute to its development. Treatment typically includes brushing and flossing your teeth, adjusting your diet, drinking plenty of water, treating any underlying conditions and scheduling regular dental checkups. You can prevent halitosis by avoiding foods that trigger bad breath.
Garlic
If you want to prevent halitosis, stay away from garlic. Garlic contains mercaptans, sulfur compounds that can cause bad breath. According to Kenneth Bock, Steven Bock and Nancy Faas, authors of the book "Germ Survival Guide," mercaptans release strong oils into your bloodstream that are transported to your lungs and expelled through your breath. This odor remains on your breath until your food has been digested.
Dairy Products
Avoid dairy products, if you want to prevent halitosis. Dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, sour cream and milk contain amino acids such as protein, which convert into sulfur compounds as bacteria accumulates on your tongue and throat, according to Marjolijn Bijlefeld and Sharon Zoumbaris, authors of the book "Food & You: Healthy Habits for Teens." These compounds produce a smelly odor in your mouth that remains until your food has been digested.
Cruciferous Vegetables
You can prevent halitosis by avoiding cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower. Lavon Dunne, author of the book "Nutrition Almanac," reports that these vegetables cause excess acid to accumulate in your stomach and flow into your esophagus. Acid reflux can cause a sour taste, a feeling that you have food particles lodged at the back of your throat, belching and bad breath.
Fatty Fish
If you want to prevent halitosis, steer clear of fatty fish such as tuna, salmon, mackerel and sardines. According to Robert Anderson, author of the book "Clinician's Guide to Holistic Medicine," fatty fish excrete strong smelling oils that can cause halitosis when consumed. Anderson explains that these fish are also loaded with protein, a nutrient that converts into sulfur compounds during digestion.
Sugary Treats
Keep away from sugary treats such as cakes, cookies, ice cream, sodas, candy, sugary cereals and doughnuts because they can cause halitosis. According to Adrian Lussi, author of the book "Dental Erosion: From Diagnosis to Therapy," refined sugar can increase the amount of harmful bacteria in your mouth and cause tooth decay, a leading cause of bad breath.
References
- "Personal Hygiene? What's That Got to Do With Me?"; Pat Crissey and Noah Crissey; 2004
- "Clinician's Guide to Holistic Medicine"; Robert A. Anderson; 2007
- "Dental Erosion: From Diagnosis to Therapy"; Adrian Lussi; 2006
- "Germ Survival Guide"; Kenneth Bock; Steven J. Bock and Nancy Faas; 2003
- "Food & You: Healthy Habits for Teens"; Marjolijn K. Bijlefeld and Sharon Zoumbaris; 2001
- "Nutrition Almanac"; Lavon J. Dunne; 2008
