Foods that Cause Bad Breath
Bad breath is an embarrassing problem that can be caused by poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, halitosis, certain medications, and some medical conditions. For most people, bad breath is the result of food particles breaking down in the mouth, producing odor-causing bacteria. Most of the time, brushing the teeth once in the morning and once in the evening, daily flossing, and regular visits to the dentist will prevent bad breath. However, there are certain foods that are known to cause bad breath even when people are diligent in following their oral care routines. Doylestown cosmetic dentist Bruce Wilderman reviews the foods, drinks, and other products that cause bad breath.
Foods
- Onions
- Garlic
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Ice cream
- Candy
- Breath mints or gum that contains sugar
Drinks
- Alcohol
- Coffee
- Sodas
- Milk
- Tomato juice
- Citrus juices
Other Products
- Cigarettes
- Chewing tobacco
All of these foods and drinks fall in food categories that increase sulfur production in the mouth, creating an environment in which bacteria can thrive. These four categories include:
- Drying products: Alcohol, cigarettes, and chewing tobacco are known to dry out the mouth and cause bad breath
- Acidic foods and drinks: Acidic foods and drinks such as orange juice, coffee, onions, and garlic allow odor-causing bacteria to reproduce more rapidly
- Dairy products: Because it is difficult for many people to break down foods and drinks that contain lactose, amino acids build up in the mouth and are then converted into sulfur compounds
- Sugary foods and drinks: Sodas, candy, and other sugar-laden products fuel the bacteria that are in your mouth, allowing them to produce an increased amount of sulfurous compound.
Doylestown teeth whitening expert Bruce Wilderman recommends that patients brush their teeth as soon as possible after eating foods that cause bad breath. For more information, contact Artistic Expressions Dentistry today.