Poor oral hygiene is often the main culprit of bad breath, but did you know that the food you eat also plays a significant role? Certain foods contain compounds that can lead to strong, unpleasant odors in your mouth, which can be difficult to eliminate with mints or mouthwash alone.

Ingenious Dentistry is Houston’s leading provider of dental services, and we know how important it is to prevent bad breath. Keep reading as we take a closer look at some of the most common foods that cause bad breath and provide tips on how to keep your breath fresh and clean.

Why Does My Breath Smell Bad?

Oral bacteria are the leading cause of bad breath. The bacteria decompose food particles in the mouth, causing an unpleasant odor. In addition, the bacteria can cause gum disease and other dental problems associated with bad breath if you don’t practice good oral hygiene.

What Foods Give You Bad Breath?

Foods high in protein, sugar, and acid commonly cause bad breath. Such foods either have naturally occurring pungent aromas or promote the bacteria growth that causes bad breath. Among the most well-known foods that cause bad breath include:

Garlic

Garlic contains high levels of sulfur compounds. When you consume garlic, the body absorbs sulfur into the bloodstream. Afterward, it finds its way to the lungs, where you exhale it with an unpleasant garlicky smell.

Dairy

Although dairy products can be a good source of protein, they are among the leading bad breath causes. Dairy products contain large amounts of amino acids, one of the nutrients that promote the growth of oral bacteria. In addition, many dairy products contain sugar, which can result in foul breath.

Canned Foods

Canned foods, especially canned fish, are a major source of bad breath. They oxidize and produce volatile sulfur compounds that linger on your breath for several hours. Additionally, canned foods contain additives that can promote bacterial growth.

Protein

When your body breaks down proteins, they release amino acids that can create a favorable environment for the growth of oral bacteria. When your body breaks down proteins, it releases ketones with an unpleasant odor.

Coffee

Coffee causes bad breath because its strong aroma lingers in your mouth and throat for a long time, compromising your breath. In addition, coffee’s essential oils and acids cause a proliferation of oral bacteria, which leads to bad breath.

Other Causes of Bad Breath

General dental and oral health experts claim that bad breath is not always caused by food. Several other factors can contribute to the problem. For example, poor hygiene leads to bacteria buildup that causes foul breath. Other causes of bad breath include:

  • Gum disease
  • Tooth decay
  • Dry mouth
  • Medical conditions such as respiratory infections
  • Acid reflux

How to Get Rid of Bad Breath

Even though there are many ways to cure bad breath, professional teeth cleaning is the best option. In this oral hygiene procedure, a dentist cleans your teeth and gums to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that cause bad breath.

Dental cleanings reach areas that are difficult to clean with a toothbrush. These include the back of your tongue and the spaces between your teeth. In addition to professional teeth cleaning, you can prevent bad breath by:

  • Brushing your teeth
  • Flossing after meals
  • Using antibacterial mouthwash
  • Drinking plenty of water
  • Avoiding foods that cause bad breath

Get Rid of Your Bad Breath, For Good!

By practicing good oral hygiene, drinking plenty of water, and limiting your intake of certain foods, you can keep your breath fresh and clean. However, if you’re still struggling with persistent bad breath, it may be a sign of a more serious underlying issue.

At Ingenious Dentistry, our experienced dental professionals can help you identify and address the root cause of your bad breath. Don’t hesitate to schedule a dental appointment in Houston today and take the first step toward a healthier, happier smile.

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