Although we all know that garlic and onions can cause bad breath, some other foods that produce weird mouth odors may surprise you.
In fact, some of the more nutritious foods can also contribute to bad breath. That doesn’t mean you should stop eating these healthy staples, but just keep in mind that they can affect your breathing so you can plan accordingly.
What foods cause halitosis?
meats
If you get dragon breath after a meat dinner, it’s because bacteria love the protein in meat. As they break it down, ammonia compounds are released that cause bad breath.
Fish
Have you ever noticed an unpleasant smell coming out of your mouth after eating tuna or salmon? Fish causes bad breath due to compounds called trimethylamines , which, unless they are attached to some other liquid, can remain in the mouth and give off that fishy odor.
And canned varieties, which have time to oxidize, increase the odor factor. Not to mention, fish is packed with protein, which we already know can lead to not-so-fresh breath.
Dairy products
Milk can be good for the body, but it can also make your breath stink. This is because the bacteria you normally have in your mouth feed on the amino acids in milk and cheese, causing bad breath.
Coffee
Your morning cup of coffee could be sabotaging your breath. The high acid content of coffee, along with the affinity of oral bacteria for acid, is what causes bad breath.
To top it all, caffeinated beverages like coffee dry out your mouth. And when less saliva flows, it creates an ideal situation for smelly bacteria and fungi to grow.
Citric fruit
Although citrus can be associated with a fresh scent, these fruits can actually give you a stinky mouth.
As with coffee, the high acid levels in citrus fruits are a breeding ground for bacteria. In addition, the fruit contains sugar, which harmful bacteria love to feed on.
Pasta sauce
Similarly, pasta sauce is another culprit for bad breath due to the acid in tomatoes. Again, an acidic environment essentially invites the growth of pesky bacteria that persist and cause bad breath.
Peanut butter
Sorry, but your beloved peanut butter could be the reason for your bad breath. Peanut butter has a lot of protein, but it is also very sticky and therefore it is difficult for bacteria in the mouth to break down.
Plus, if your peanut butter has added flavor or is chock-full of sugar, it can provide even more food for the nosy microbes in your mouth.
Horseradish
Horseradish, a root vegetable used in condiments, sauces, and dressings, has a spicy flavor. Unfortunately, its powerful flavor also lingers around your mouth long after you’ve eaten it.
These plants have a compound called isothiocyanate , which protects them from animal meals, gives them their strong flavor, and also causes changes in their breath.
How to combat halitosis?
If you have bad breath after eating these foods, the best way to counteract it is to brush your teeth after eating. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and floss to us to remove food debris and bacteria.
If brushing your teeth after a meal is not an option, rinsing your mouth and drinking water can help.
Producing more saliva, which removes food particles, is another strategy for eliminating bad breath. For example, chewing sugarless gum can stimulate the flow of saliva. Even better, if you take a variety with xilito l, can block some bacteria that cause odor.
Eating crunchy foods (carrots and apples) can also generate more saliva.
But if your bad breath persists, talk to your dentist. Mouth odor can sometimes be an indicator of a deeper problem, such as gum disease or an upset stomach , so regular checkups and cleanings by your dentist are essential.
