Brushing, flossing and rinsing are all great ways to keep your mouth healthy and clean. But for all your defensive manoeuvring, your breath will, from time to time, still get a little offensive. Not to worry though. Of all the things that cause bad breath, 80% are right under our noses—in the foods we eat. Here’s a look at some of the key offenders:
#1: Garlic
While it’s not surprising garlic would make the list, what might shock you is how garlic can leave its sulphuric mark on more than just your tongue. Garlic is also absorbed into your bloodstream, enabling a secondary wave of odour to make its way into your lungs, where it can freely escape through the mouth.
Once absorbed, garlic then emits a bitter scent from your pores. None of this, however, should be reason to swear off garlic completely. Just try not to overdo it and, when you’re finished, flush your mouth of garlic residue by brushing and flossing. Also remember to rinse twice daily.
#2: Onions
Similar to garlic, the odour of onions lingers long after you’ve finished eating them. That’s because they both contain sulphuric compounds that get absorbed into your bloodstream and return when you least expect it. Give yourself an extra layer of protection by brushing, flossing and rinsing.
#3: Dairy
Milk may do a body good, but it can dirty a mouth. That’s because naturally occurring germs from your tongue feeds on the amino acids in milk and cheeses, resulting in an odour that is foul and unattractive.
#4: Coffee and Alcohol
Coffee and Alcohol initiate a drying effect, which reduces saliva flow. This allows bad germs to grow and causes bad breath, which is unattractive and lowers confidence.
#5: Horseradish
When the one thing that gives a plant its distinctive flavour is also its natural defence against hungry animals, you know the by-product will linger after the plant has been digested. Such is the case with horseradish. The chemical compound isothiocynate is what allows this common root vegetable to give cocktail sauces, dressings and breath a unique flavour and smell.
