After a good night’s sleep, most of us wake up with the unpleasant, but common occurrence known as “morning breath.” Fortunately after a good brushing session, that bad taste in your mouth is history… until food and bacteria wreak havoc again and become odoriferous. You definitely don’t want the reputation of having dragon’s breath! Paying special attention to what you eat may actually help keep your mouth fresh during the day.
The Crunch Factor: Apples, Celery and Carrots
Since plaque is sticky, think about eating foods that naturally scrape the odor culprits away. Raw apples, celery, carrots and other fiber rich veggies will dislodge carbohydrate and protein-rich food away from your gum line and dental work. Since these fresh snacks don’t have added sugar and salts, you can also be sure you are eating heart healthy options.
The Herb Garden: Spearmint, Coriander and Rosemary
Don’t throw that decorative garnish away! They have a special ingredient that will be helpful at the end of your meal. Polyphenols are a type of antioxidant that is very good at breaking down garlic and sulfur. Spearmint, coriander, rosemary, basil and parsley are just a few of the common herbs you can chew on after a meal to fight off smelly breath. No need to skip that pasta dish but save the herb for last.
The Dairy Farm: Sugar Free Yogurt
If you want to give those germs a run for their money, introduce them to another type of bacteria that actually destroys them. Sugar free probiotic dairy products like yogurt actually create an environment that makes it difficult for harmful bacteria to thrive. Germ warfare at it’s finest! Keep in mind that sugar will only feed the germs in your mouth, so choose your weapon carefully and stay away from the sweet stuff. If you need a little more flavors, add something fresh like strawberries or blueberries. They both contain antioxidants and are a much healthier choice.
The Citrus Groves: Vitamin C
Notice how many restaurants offer lemons with your water? It’s not just a tasty alternative to the plain stuff. Vitamin C is a very important part of a healthy diet and it is needed for tissue repair and healthy gums. Citrus also stimulates your salivary glands and helps with digestion. Keep in mind that oranges and lemons will change the pH in your mouth to become acidic, so don’t overdo it.
If you find that a few simple changes in your eating habit that doesn’t help defeat the dragons breath, you may have another underlying issue that we need to address. Gum disease is a leading cause of bad breath and having a healthy mouth is the best way to prevent it. Check out our blog post “Tricks to Preventing Bad Breath” for more healthy habits.
Call Daxon Dentistry for Additional Bad Breath Treatment
Dr. Kimberley Daxon is a leading dentist in St. Petersburg, Fla. If you or someone you know is in need of dental help, regardless of how simple or complex, please call us.