No one wants to be known as the person with bad breath. It’s embarrassing, inconvenient, and can make social interactions awkward. While mints, mouthwashes, and gum can provide temporary relief, they often contain artificial sweeteners and sugars that can actually contribute to the problem. Instead, consider adding these twelve odor-fighting foods to your diet to help eliminate bad breath naturally.
A Strong Ally: Green Tea
Not only is green tea a great source of antioxidants, it also contains natural polyphenols that can help fight bacteria in your mouth. These polyphenols can reduce the sulfur compounds that can cause bad breath, making it an effective and natural breath freshener. Start your day with a cup of green tea, and consider drinking it throughout the day to help keep bad breath at bay.
The Power of Yogurt
Probiotic yogurt is praised for its gut health benefits, but it can help with bad breath as well. The active cultures in probiotic yogurt can reduce the levels of bacteria in your mouth that lead to bad breath. Look for sugar-free yogurt that contains live active cultures to get the most benefits.
Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables: Nature’s Toothbrush
Chomping on crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery can help mechanically clean your teeth and remove bacteria that may be contributing to bad breath. Not only do these foods help physically remove bacteria, they are also great sources of vitamins and minerals.
Parsley: More Than Just a Garnish
While many people think of parsley as a simple garnish, it has more to offer than meets the eye. Parsley is a natural breath freshener, thanks to its high levels of chlorophyll. This green pigment has been proven to neutralize bad breath and help you feel more confident in social situations. So, next time you see parsley garnishing your plate, consider using it to freshen your breath.
Fresh Breath Hero: Mint
Similar to parsley, mint is a natural breath freshener that can help combat bad breath. Chewing on a few fresh mint leaves after a meal can cleanse your palate and give your mouth a clean, fresh feeling. What’s more, mint is easy to grow at home, so you can have an ever-ready supply of breath fresheners right in your backyard.
Citrus Fruits: Fight Odors and Boost Immunity
Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are not only delicious, but they can help to combat bad breath. The high levels of citric acid in these fruits stimulate saliva production, which helps wash away odor-causing bacteria. Plus, the strong fragrances of citrus fruits can help mask any lingering odors.
Munch on Melons
Melons, such as cantaloupe and watermelon, have a high water content that can help to rinse away odor-causing bacteria from your mouth. In addition, their fibrous texture can help to clean your teeth as you eat them. Plus, they’re packed with essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants.
Spice Things Up with Cinnamon
Cinnamon has long been prized for its antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help to combat bad breath. Try incorporating cinnamon into your diet with cinnamon sticks, tea, or use it as a natural flavor booster in your favorite recipes. The sweet, warm flavor of cinnamon can help to mask any unpleasant odors while targeting the root cause of your bad breath.
Feel Fresh with Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds help to combat bad breath by acting as a natural breath freshener. Chew on a few fennel seeds after a meal to help neutralize odors and prevent the build-up of bacteria in your mouth.
Zinc for a Clean Mouth
Some foods, such as pumpkin seeds, spinach, and chickpeas, contain high levels of zinc, a mineral known to help maintain a clean, fresh-smelling mouth. Not only does zinc help control bad breath, it also supports a healthy immune system and aids in wound healing.
An Apple a Day Keeps Bad Breath Away
Apples contain a high level of polyphenols, which can help to neutralize odors and fight bad breath. In addition, the crunchy texture of apples can help to clean your teeth as you eat them. Since apples are also a great source of vitamins and minerals, they are a tasty and nutritious way to help keep your breath fresh.
Herbal Allies: Sage, Thyme, and Rosemary
Herbs such as sage, thyme, and rosemary not only add flavor to your dishes, they also have antimicrobial properties that help to kill odor-causing bacteria in your mouth. Adding herbs to your meals not only improves your food’s taste, but also helps to keep your breath smelling fresh.
So, instead of reaching for a sugar-laden mint or gum, try adding some of these natural breath-freshening foods to your diet. Your breath will be fresher, your confidence will grow, and you’ll be able to enjoy social situations without the worry of being “that person” with bad breath.
