Eight Foods for Fresh Breath

So you’re on that first date, its dinner, and you’re wondering what to order that won’t stay with you orally after the meal. Before we get to the answers, let’s break down what causes bad breath. There are over 1000 types of mouth bacteria, but specifically, each of us only has one to two hundred. Their job is to break down the food lodged between our teeth and on our gums and tongue. Hydrogen Sulfide and methyl mercaptan are two of these pungent gases that build up in the mouth while eating, and they stay until the food is fully digested. Water is one of the best ways to eliminate those funky friends because it prevents dry mouth and flushes food through the digestion system quickly. There are many foods and strategies that mask foul breath, but here are eight that actually combat halitosis.

Basil – combined with garlic is smart and delicious because the polyphenols in basil fight the sulfur compounds of garlic. So enjoy that pesto sauce, and think about eating several leaves of basil or parsley following because both contain chlorophyll, an oral deodorant producer, that also stimulates the production of saliva; the cleansing agent of bad breath.
Lettuce – is a good source of vitamin A that helps maintain oral mucosa and prevent oral cavity cancers. It also aids in eliminating methyl mercaptan.
Apples – these crunchy munchy fruits keep the doctor and plaque away. They also help produce saliva, a natural remedy for lousy breath
Citrus Fruits – such as lemon, oranges, and grapefruit are loaded with vitamin C, which controls levels of bacteria in the mouth, and combats gingivitis and gum disease.
Green Tea – contains catechin, an antioxidant that prevents the growth of the bacteria that causes tooth decay, and gum disease. It also helps to rid your body of toxins and can be used as a mouth wash, leaving you feeling energetic and refreshed.
Probiotic Yogurt – Studies show that consuming 6 ounces of unsweetened yogurt every day reduces the hydrogen sulfide in your mouth.
Spinach – is loaded with chlorophyll, a powerful antioxidant, and natural deodorizer. It is also a good source of zinc and magnesium that neutralizes the sulfur compounds that are the terrible breath culprits.
Cucumber – due to its high water content, Cucs help keep the mouth hydrated by stimulating saliva production.