It is no secret that garlic and onion can cause your breath to smell bad and make a poor impression in front of people. However, if you avoid these food items and your breath still smells bad, it is time to dig deeper into the food items you consume. Chronic bad breath becomes more frustrating when you are trying to reduce it but cannot find out what the culprit is.
Sometimes, bad breath is genetic. Other times, it is your fault. If you brush twice daily, floss, and clean your tongue, and your breath still smells bad, it could be linked to your diet. Certain food items can ruin your breath for hours, and knowing what they are can help. If you struggle with bad breath, visit your dentist in Yorba Linda, CA, today.
Foods that cause bad breath
- Citrus fruits.
You may love to eat oranges, but they are not good for your teeth. Bacteria love an acidic environment, and citrus fruits are highly acidic in nature. When you consume acidic food, you are inviting bacteria to stay back inside your mouth. If you have acid reflux issues, these foods would flow back to your throat and create a bad smell.
- Coffee and alcohol.
Coffee and alcohol both contain substances that make your mouth a favorable space for bacterial growth. Both of these beverages dry your mouth and reduce the saliva flow, which allows the bad breath-causing bacteria to stick around for a longer time. In general, allowing any food or beverage to linger in your mouth can cause bad breath. That is why brushing your teeth at least twice a day is recommended, and rinsing your mouth properly after every meal.
- Dairy products.
You are not wrong if you think dairy products are good for your health because they make your bones strong. However, they have certain drawbacks as well. Milk and other dairy products contain amino acids, and the naturally-causing bacteria in your mouth love to feed on them. This results in a bad and unattractive smell.
- Canned fish.
Canned fish, during the preservation process, oxidizes and reacts with other chemicals, resulting in an unsavory smell. You may often refer to this smell as “fishy,” which can linger in your mouth unless you eat something else. Eating citrus fruits or their juices can help get rid of the smell. If these items are not readily available, chewing a piece of gum can work.