We have spent a lot of time telling you about the foods that contribute to bad breath, and how you can fight their effects by brushing your teeth and cleaning your tongue regularly. But did you know that there are actually foods that HELP fight bad breath?
Fruits and Vegetables – Are You Really Surprised?
Melons and citrus fruits contain a lot of vitamin C which is good for you but bad for bacteria. Be careful with a lot of citrus, though, since too much citrus can wear down the enamel on your teeth. Cherries and lettuce remove the odors from methyl mercaptan, which is a halitosis-causing gas that bacteria release in the mouth. And crispy/crunchy raw fruits and veggies, such as apples, cucumbers, celery and pears, act in two ways to help control bad breath! First, since they are so crunchy, they are natural scrubbers, removing some particles from your teeth while you eat them. Second, their consumption increases saliva, which is needed to break down bacteria in the mouth.
Other Ingestibles that Help
Green tea contains catechin, a natural antioxidant that helps fight bacteria in the mouth. And did you every wonder why that restaurant gives you a sprig of parsley with your onion rings? Both parsley and basil contain polyphenol, which helps break down the sulphur content in your mouth. And why not try some probiotic yogurt for dessert after that burger and onion rings? If you eat a low-sugar yogurt, you will be ingesting good bacteria that help with both the digestive system and the breakdown of sulphite bacteria that cause bad breath.
OK, so these aren’t “technically” foods, but…
Drinking lots of water will keep bacteria at bay by continually rinsing your teeth, gums and tongue and by keeping the hydration you need for a healthy balance! And, if you combine some crushed ginger (which is also good for your digestive system) with lemon juice into some warm water, you will have a wonderful home-made oral rinse that helps reduce bacterial build-up as well. Also, chlorophyll, which is a pigment found in plant, is a natural breath deodorizer and can be found in several forms in health food or drug stores. Top it all off with an occasional piece of sugarless gum and you will have better breath and a healthier mouth.
So, go ahead, enjoy some of these healthy halitosis-fighting foods. Drink lots of water, and have an apple a day…you know the rest! 😉
