Bad breath, medically referred to
as halitosis, is an unpleasant odour that emanates from the mouth.
The most common cause of bad
breath are bacteria that are naturally present in the mouth.
The over 600 bacteria that reside
in the mouth feast on food particles and dead cells, producing sulfur compounds
formed during protein breakdown, causing halitosis.
A proper oral-hygiene routine,
which includes brushing, flossing, rinsing, tongue cleansing and regular visits
to the dentist, are important activities that help to keep bad breath away.
However, here are eight healthy
foods that can help you fight bad breath.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon contains an organic
compound called cinnamic aldehyde which freshens up your breath. It has
antimicrobial properties that prevent the odour-causing bacteria, while its
refreshing and fragrant aroma helps to keep your breath fresh.
Water
Dry mouth, called xerostomia,
contributes to oral microbial growth. Taking enough water stimulates saliva
production and keeps the mouth moist. Water also helps flush out bits of food
that lurk in the mouth for bacteria to feed on.
Strawberries
Strawberries have high water
content, and prevent dry mouth. They’re also very high in vitamin C and create
an environment hostile to bacteria and germs.
Black tea
Drinking unsweetened black or
green tea may help ward off bad breath. Both types of tea contain antioxidants
called polyphenols that can help destroy the growth of bacteria that cause bad
breath—although green tea contains more because it is processed in a different
way.
Both teas prevent the growth of
bacteria that can cause foul breath. They also decrease the bacteria’s
production of stinky byproducts.
Sugar-free gum
Chewing on sugar-free gum loosens
food and dead cells from the teeth, gums, and tongue and fosters saliva
production. Sugar-free gum sweetened with xylitol is particularly effective for
fighting bad breath because xylitol inhibits mouth bacteria.
Probiotic yogurt
Sugar-free probiotic yogurt
reduces bad breath by helping to lower the levels of odour-causing sulfide
compounds.
Active cultures in yogurt, such
as lactobacillus bulgaricus and streptococcus thermophilus, compete with the
bacteria in your mouth that contribute to bad breath.
It is also a great source of
vitamin D, which helps reduce mouth bacteria and aids overall good oral health.
Parsley
Parsley is a green vegetable that
contains chlorophyll, a compound with antibacterial properties that are able to
break down sulfur compounds that cause bad breath.
It also contains polyphenols
compounds that break down the sulfur compounds in the mouth.
Apple
Like Parsley, Apples contain
polyphenols that break down smelly sulfur compounds. Spinach is another
polyphenol-rich food that is good at breaking down sulfur compounds.
Also, when you bite into an
apple, you’re pushing plaque away from your teeth, thus eliminating the food
matter that could cause bacteria in your gums and teeth.
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