7 Foods that Prevent Bad Breath

Bad breath results from two key issues: oral hygiene and gastrointestinal health. Basically this means that breath odours originate not just inside the mouth but also from your digestive tract. The culprit in both cases is largely bacteria. Doctors will tell you that if you have bad breath, you should first make sure you are eating right and brushing and flossing after every meal. To give you a little bit more help here is a list of some foods that will fight that disturbing odour some more

7 Foods to Prevent Bad Breath

Herbs - Coriander, spearmint, tarragon, eucalyptus, rosemary and cardamom are all good for fighting bad breath. You can chew on fresh herbs or make tonics by steeping them in hot water (as a tea). These herbs are excellent for aiding digestion too which doubles their benefits

Yogurt - A recent study found that a serving of yogurt each day reduces the level of odour-causing hydrogen sulfide in the mouth. Apparently it also cuts back on bacteria in the mouth -plaque and gum disease were reduced in the study’s yogurt eaters as well. It is also recommended getting enough vitamin D from yogurt, cheese and milk if you’re worried about halitosis because this vitamin creates an inhospitable environment for bacteria growth. Be sure to get natural yogurt -not overly processed or sugar-added varieties.

Crunchy Fruit and Veg - Apples, carrots and celery are your friend when it comes to fighting halitosis. Inside your mouth, plaque build-up causes odours and eating crunchy foods which increase saliva production keeps the mouth moist - and rinsed out. So start following every meal with a Granny Smith to cleanse the mouth.

Vitamin C Foods - Eating berries, citrus fruits, melons and other vitamin C-rich foods create an inhospitable environment for bacteria growth. A diet rich in vitamin C is also is important for preventing gum disease and gingivitis - both major causes of halitosis.

Tea - Research suggests that the polyphenols contained in caffeinated tea - both green and black tea - slow the growth of bacteria in the mouth, and they may also suppress the bad-smelling compounds that the bacteria produce. Drink your tea unsweetened for the full benefit because sugar encourages the growth of bacteria in your mouth

Spices - You can raid the spice rack in your kitchen for natural breath fresheners. Chew a few fennel or anise seeds after a meal to leave your mouth smelling fresh. A whole clove or a small piece off of a cinnamon stick will achieve the same result. It’s easy to carry a tiny plastic bag with one or more of these spices with you and then you’ll have a natural breath freshener on hand whenever bad breath strikes.

Zinc Foods - Preliminary research has shown zinc to reduce the concentration of sulphur compounds in the mouth. One study found that zinc included in baking soda toothpaste reduced these gasses, and investigators in Poland found that zinc tablets were effective in lessening halitosis. Start including zinc rich foods like pumpkin seeds, liver, dark chocolate and wheatgerm, in your diet to fight that odour today

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