Yes, you brush and floss, but that unpleasant odor on some foods won’t escape your mouth. While poor oral hygiene is a common culprit for foul breath, your diet may also play a part. Get ready to rethink your grocery list, as we’re bringing you the 10 foods (some healthy) that could be your breath’s worst enemy.
10. Dried Fruit
Yup, we’re talking about raisins, apricots, and mangoes, which are a double-edged sword for your breath. Why? Firstly, the dehydration process of the fruits concentrates their natural sugar, which gives off odor-causing bacteria in your mouth. While the bacteria consume sugar, they release volatile sulfur compounds, or VSC, which cause bad breath. Also, the sticky texture gets stuck in the crevices of your teeth, which feeds the bacteria.
9. Horseradish
Yup, that common burger filling comes with a consequence. Horseradish contains isothiocyanate, which is a chemical compound that gives off its pungent flavor. Isothiocyanate has a feature that sticks around in your mouth for a long time. With that, it releases odors that are difficult to remove with water. The most effective way to neutralize the odor is with mint tea or sugar-free mint gum until you can brush your teeth.
8. Red Meat
Yup, you’re breath has that stinking aroma after a steak dinner. When your body digests the meat, it produces ammonia, which is released through your breath. This ammonia has a distinct and unpleasant odor that can be compared to that of cat urine. This is especially true for those following a high-protein or low-carb diet, as the body breaks down large amounts of protein for energy.
7. Citrus Fruits
Ever wonder why your breath turns sour after consuming something with lemon? It’s not just lemons but other citrus fruits with a high acid content that cause bacteria in your mouth. They thrive in acidic environments and multiply as they produce more volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), which can cause bad breath. If you are prone to acid reflux, then acidic foods can cause stomach acids to flow into your throat, causing that foul odor. Rinse your mouth with water after eating to wash away the bacteria.
6. Canned Fish
The canned counterparts of fish like tuna and salmon may cause bad breath. It’s because of the fish that’s canned away until you consume it. Over time, the fish oxidizes and forms trimethylamine (TMA), which is responsible for that fishy odor. Note that TMA can’t be simply washed away with water, as it’s less soluble and lingers in your mouth for a long time. The fish further causes bad breath as the oil makes it stronger by trapping it.
5. Peanut Butter
That innocent peanut butter toast may be causing your bad breath. Thanks to its thick and paste-like consistency, it makes it difficult for your saliva to break down and wash away. That peanut butter can cling to your tongue and teeth long after eating. The sticky residue is what bacteria feed on, as they love a good protein content. They release pungent sulfur compounds that cause bad breath. Make sure to rinse with water or mouthwash after to remove the sticky paste.
4. Coffee
Bad news for coffee lovers, this well-loved beverage is a major contributor to bad breath, not because of its strong aroma. It’s the drying effect that coffee leaves in your mouth. The caffeine reduces your saliva production, which leads to a dry mouth where anaerobic bacteria linger. They thrive in low-oxygen conditions and release your VSCs. Coffee is also acidic, which promotes the growth of bacteria.
3. Cheese and Dairy
Most dairy products, especially cheese, are rich in amino acids, which is bad news for your breath. When the amino acids interact with natural bacteria, they produce VSCs, particularly hydrogen sulfide. Sadly, it’s the same compound that gives rotten eggs their foul smell. The bacteria on your mouth are feasting on the milk solids, which release gases. By drinking water after consuming dairy, you help wash away some lingering bacteria and amino acids.
2. Onions
Onions are no surprise, but their cause might be more complex. They’re packed with sulfur compounds that get released in your mouth and absorbed in your bloodstream during the process of digestion. With that, it travels through your lungs, where it is expelled with every breath you take. This is why it lingers for hours that even brushing your teeth can’t remove the odor.
1. Garlic
Garlic is the king of bad breath. The sulfur it releases in your mouth when you chew causes that strong odor. But the real knockout bad breath comes in a bit later. Like onions, the sulfur compounds in garlic are absorbed into your bloodstream and carried to your lungs, where they are released with every breath you take. You get the stinking breath that can last up to 24 hours. The main culprit to blame is allyl methyl sulfide, which your body metabolizes slowly.
