Halitosis, or bad breath, is a social nightmare. Many of us are forced to face that problem. In order to defeat or prevent bad breath, we should know the source of bad breath, how to prevent it, and how to get rid of it.

Let’s start by taking a look at some of the foods that may cause halitosis:

Onions
Onion is the number one food that can cause bad breath, since it contains sulfuric acids. Onions are an extremely common ingredient, and if you eat onions, you should brush your teeth soon after. If you happen to be at a work outing or some kind of get together, try chewing some gum!

Milk
Despite being a wonderful drink for our body, milk can cause bad breath. The natural bacteria from your tongue feeds on the amino acids in milk, resulting in the bad odor. Don’t stop drinking milk (it is a valuable source of calcium and many different vitamins) but try to brush your teeth, especially your tongue afterwards. It’s also a good idea to look into buying a tongue scrapper!

Tuna and Fish
While tuna and other types of fish can be a light and healty meal that is good for our health, they aren’t so great on our breath. According to the American Society of Nutrition, the halitosis from fish is caused by trimethylamine (TMA). Fish is a very typical meal for lunch, but remember to rinse your mouth out before spending the rest of your day with bad breath!

Important tips to get rid of bad breath

Brush your teeth
We all should brush our teeth 2 to 3 times daily, especially after eating meals. It seems like the obvious answer, but that doesn’t mean it’s a wrong answer. Brushing your teeth helps clean your mouth of any excess food and germs, and will help your breath stay fresh and clean.

Eat Yogurt! 
Yogurt actually reduces the levels of hydrogen sulfide, which lead to halitosis. Next time you have a lunch that may lead to particularly bad breath, remember to bring a yogurt for an after-lunch-snack.

Chew Sugarless Gum
If you have a dry mouth, or if you just had a meal that might bring on bad breath, chew some sugarless gums. Gum can help stimulate the saliva flow, and can help wash the debris or bacteria in your mouth. Remember to chew sugar free gum!

Drink More Water 
Some people find water to be boring, but it is essential for health. It’s also essential for healthy teeth and fresh breath. Remember: keep your mouth and body hydrated!

Visit your dentist 
Visiting your dentist, especially the Stuart Dental Spa, will help keep your mouth fresh and clean. We can offer tips, and of course clean your teeth so you can leave the office with the smile you deserve!