6 Foods That Fix Bad Breath
6 Foods That Fix Bad Breath

Last night, the tacos smothered in onions were great. But this morning, your breath could fell a sumo wrestler.

What to do? When your breath has turned toxic because of smelly foods -- usually garlic, onions, or curry, but fish and cheese can do a number, too -- you need an air freshener for your mouth. And you need it often: every 30 to 60 minutes until the odorous offender has cleared out of your bloodstream, which can sometimes take up to 24 hours. Because brushing constantly is impossible, try countering breath-busting foods with what's likely to be handiest: other foods.

1. Lemons. Suck on a lemon wedge, or nibble on the rind -- easy to do in restaurants, where there's often a citrus garnish; if not, you can order sparkling water with lemon. For other times, lemon-flavored hard candies work just as well, and they’re totally portable.

2. Parsley and other green garnishes. When your favorite garlic-laden pasta dish or onion-topped burger arrives with a few sprigs of parsley on the side, consider it a hint, not just a colorful trim. Chewing on the sprigs releases parsley's pleasant, breath-freshening oils. Garnishes of fresh basil and rosemary work, too.

3. Apples and other crisp, fresh foods (firm pears, carrots, jicama). They're high in fiber, and all that chewing bumps up saliva production -- the combo acts like a scrubbing rinse for your mouth. Sweet.

4. Crunchy spices. For a more exotic solution, pick up some anise, cardamom, coriander, and fennel seeds, available in the spice aisle of most grocery stores. Mix equal parts in a small covered bowl, and keep it on the dining room table next to the salt and pepper. Chewing on a few seeds will release enough oil to sweeten after-dinner curry or coffee breath. And your mouth will taste amazing.

5. Mint sprigs or cinnamon sticks. Either of these deliciously potent flavors will squelch the sulfurous scent of onion and garlic. Plus, an essential oil in cinnamon kills a nasty type of oral bacteria, discouraging it from setting up house in your mouth. Cinnamon or mint gum is just as effective. If you pick a gum sweetened with xylitol, it will freshen breath and help reduce cavities -- smart, if you're a gum lover. Bonus: Regular oral care can make your
RealAge as much as 6.4 years younger.

Learn more about how to care for your pearly whites.

6. Berries and yogurt. If you can't get through most days without indulging in foods that are less than breath-friendly, eat for prevention, which is even better than a cure. Consuming half a cup of plain, sugar-free yogurt twice a day can lower mouth levels of hydrogen sulfide (yes, that rotten egg smell). Berries (and melons, oranges, and other fruits high in vitamin C) also deter stinky mouth bacteria. Start and end each day with a cup of fruit topped with a big dollop of yogurt and you might never have to worry about
bad breath again.

Permalink : Comments (88)

Comments

I agree that bad breath can be caused by toxins anywhere in the body its proven. You have a nice blog thank you so much for this entry.

by: florence

Posted by: los angeles cosmetic dentist  | May 18, 2009 at 08:06 PM

interesting post bookmarked

Posted by: Acai Berry | December 15, 2008 at 02:03 AM

The best way is to brush with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide between visits to the dentist. Not only does this whiten your teeth but it also deep cleans your mouth fighting bad breathe. No more than once a week or twice a month.

Posted by: Howie Smeltertwat | November 18, 2008 at 11:41 AM

Have you considered perhaps fasting for a day or eating just fresh fruit? This lets the body clean itself out internally and expell toxic, smelly waste.

Posted by: Frank B. | September 21, 2008 at 05:49 PM

I've read that oxygen related products are what really help to kill bad breath.

Posted by: Bad Breath | August 03, 2008 at 02:36 PM

Do you use Crest or Colgate Mouthwash? Perhaps a mouthwash is causing your problem. I'm not sure which one there was a law suit against but it was for altering their sense of taste.

Posted by: Blaze | July 31, 2008 at 09:19 PM

Although I do not have bad breath with this condition, I frequently have a pungent bad taste (medicinal) in my mouth. I baffle my doctors; no one knows a cure! I am a former dental assistant and my dental health and oral hygiene are excellent. Does anyone know of advice? THANKS.

Posted by: MMitchell | April 09, 2008 at 09:12 AM

Although I do not have bad breath with this condition, I frequently have a pungent bad taste (medicinal) in my mouth. I baffle my doctors; no one knows a cure! I am a former dental assistant and my dental health and oral hygiene are excellent. Does anyone know of advice? THANKS.

Posted by: MMitchell | April 09, 2008 at 09:12 AM

great article- I agree that after seeing the youtube on lemons it will make you never want to eat out again. Good info and tips on breath freshening...thanks!

Posted by: candida albicans | April 06, 2008 at 10:27 AM

great article- I agree that after seeing the youtube on lemons it will make you never want to eat out again. Good info and tips on breath freshening...thanks!

Posted by: candida albicans | April 06, 2008 at 10:27 AM

Be careful with the peppermint and oranges if you've been diagnosed w/GERDS(acid reflux). Some of we folks are ok w/them while others not so good.

Posted by: Liz | March 18, 2008 at 09:31 PM

Try Thera Breath, sold at walmar on line.

Posted by: Donna | March 14, 2008 at 04:53 PM

I think the name of the toothpaste msmariette referes to is called Paradontax.It's the only pink toothpaste I know..:)

Posted by: roxana | March 14, 2008 at 08:04 AM

Guess what guys? I found a toothpaste years ago that is "pink" in color and can be found at the organic grocery stores...can't I recall the exact name but, its ingredients are: clove, myrrh, natural chark calsiums, mint, tea tree oils and the like! (I really don't buy Thoms products anymore unless there isn't any organic grocery stores around.)The "PINK" toothpaste (The box and tube are red and white) has done natural wonders to my breathe and teeth...and doesn't foam up like the other commercial poisonous toothpaste!...I moved out of state and havent been able to find it yet...and I can't call around because I simply forgot the name...It's truly the ONLY "PINK" organic toothpaste of its kind on the market...Someone stocking the shelves may know its name. God bless.

Posted by: msmariette | March 11, 2008 at 07:17 AM

Lots of good info. We use the
essential oils...just one drop
will do in many cases...I use
"thieves" (clove, cinnamon,
lemon, eucalyptus, rosemary
combination) 2 drops in water
for a mouthwash after brushing
my teeth. A huge benefit is
keeping you well...killing
bacteria. After swishing
mouthwash I swallow for added
benefit. 2 drops of peppermint
in water..and swallow will do
wonders for stomach upset. I
also tried eating kraut and
relief was immediate. Chewing
fresh parsley is a good one!
Thanks!

Posted by: Carol E Ratliff | March 11, 2008 at 02:27 AM

I won't touch lemons in restaurants and ask them not to put them in my water. After seeing the following on youtube, it makes me want to not eat out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UcHYZ_Sc4I

Posted by: Barb | March 11, 2008 at 02:26 AM

you might want to add seven to that list as nuts are good breath neutralizers I've found. the healthy fat oils in nuts combat breath odor when they are crunched and spread an oilbased barrier in the mouth that reduces the sulfurous odor caused by almost any food. peanuts, cashews, almounds, pecans all work. I found the unsalted dry roasted peanuts work best with me. a handful or two does the job before you leave or carry with you.

Posted by: david croom | March 10, 2008 at 07:48 PM

you might want to add seven to that list as nuts are good breath neutralizers I've found. the healthy fat oils in nuts combat breath odor when they are crunched and spread an oilbased barrier in the mouth that reduces the sulfurous odor caused by almost any food. peanuts, cashews, almounds, pecans all work. I found the unsalted dry roasted peanuts work bestwith me.

Posted by: david croom | March 10, 2008 at 07:47 PM

Thank you for this wonderful article! Many of my clients are undergoing chemotherapy treatment & I am often asked about cures for bad breath.
I will be sure to pass on your article.

Posted by: Laurie  | March 10, 2008 at 07:42 PM

I saw someone mention cloves. I have used whole cloves previously for quitting smoking (along with lots and lots of lemon water - 1/2 lemon to 8 oz. of water). Make sure to take the seed pod off the end, and keep the stem in your mouth. Great for your breath.. and puts a 'heat sensation' in your mouth to quit smoking.

Posted by: Tina | March 10, 2008 at 06:31 PM

Rica: Besides daily flossing & brushing, purchase a "Tung brush" (not a scraper, they don't do the job). "Tung" is the brand name. Use the gel that comes with it or your own toothpaste on the brush. Follow the instructions on the Tung brush package. This works fantastic. Purchase a more gentle toothpaste and mouthwash that doesn't contain alcohol. You can find this at Whole Foods or other organic foods market. Start taking acidophilus daily. If you tend to get a white tongue, eating anything with sugar in it will increase the bacteria on your tongue. This should make a huge difference for you; it did for me. Good Luck!

Posted by: Tammy | March 10, 2008 at 05:39 PM

Hi Natalie
You are right if you are referring to commercial,pasteurized, homogenized milk. Deadly stuff! I was tested as being allergic to dairy. Then, 2 years ago I came into contact with the Primal Diet, and began following Aajonas' raw foods plan. It included raw dairy, and to my surprise I am now able to consume it without issue!
My health has made another shift for the good.

Below are some sites for you to peruse.

www.wewant2live.com

www.wewant2live.com/site/811618/page/380978

www.mercola.com/2004/apr/24/raw_milk.htm

Cheers, Keith Kelley

Posted by: Keith Kelley | March 10, 2008 at 05:35 PM

I have learned a lot (and I am passing on) a lot of good stuff.

I am, however, a bit miffed about the Lifeforce plug by Susan. This is a marketing plan to make some folks very rich. What is will NOT do is heal you, make you lose any permanent weight, detox your hair or skin or even clear bad breath. It borders between useless to most and possibly dangerous to some.
IMO, it has no place on a chat board where "health tips" are shared.
It isn't even backed by any sound holistic principles or medical principles. It's "Show me the money". They won't even tell you the ingredients for their super expensive "cleanses" and boy, they have cleanses for everything. Fork over a few hundred bucks and you'll get the equivalent of a bar of ivory soap and bottle of Suave shampoo. For 800.00 you can have some useless cleanse.
To anyone who knows even the basics of "candida yeast", it is ludicrous.
Lifeforce and it's imitators are the new pyramid scheme of the computer age. And, wow, there are thousands of them out there for those foolish enough to pay for them. ANYONE can fill a pill with anything today and tell you anything as long as it is worded within the law. No tests, studies or anything.
Maybe I should choose one of the top moneymakers (beauty, aging, health, weight) and get rich!

Posted by: Linda  | March 10, 2008 at 04:46 PM

I have bad breath. My dad has gingivitis. It's so embarassing. I drink water and chew on sugar free gum. I eat apples. But, I use listerine. I think it just drys my mouth out. I told my dentist and he told me I'm doing all the right things. I floss and brush my teeth. Does anyone know what i'm doing wrong? Please help!!

Posted by: Rica | March 10, 2008 at 04:41 PM

one more thing i happened upon by chance. i've found that a dozen or so almonds will relieve most acid indigestion{smoked almonds provided by airlines?. i told someone i work with about them ,he had been eating anti-acids buy the economy bottle for years ,even wakes up in middle of night & took them, since he tried my almond suggestion he has taken _no_ more antacids

Posted by: murphy | March 10, 2008 at 04:33 PM

lots of comments about healthy teeth. one tip i know works very well is to put a drop of oil of oregano on your tooth bush with your usual cleaner, it kills bacteria that cause bad breath and your dental hygenist will thanks you. since i've been using it i have virtualy no plaque. a drop taken sublingualy daily will kill internal parasites, be VERY careful not to get near eyes. HOT!!!! is an understatement. rinse mouth throughly, never get that part of towel used around mouth to dry near your eyes just that bit left in your saliva is enough to cause some burning. its also great for head aches. a dab{Q-tip} on the brow or temples knocks most headaches away in a few seconds, great for nasal passages, a smear under nose clears away a stuffy sinus. Oil of Oregano is an old world antibiotic, taken orally or sublingualy it is wonderful stuff, avoid all contact with eyes or soft tissue. hope some can benifit from this. Murphy

Posted by: murphy | March 10, 2008 at 04:24 PM

I remember reading years ago that for thousands of years the Chinese servants of the Emporer carried cloves in their mouth so as not to offend him with their breath. Try a single clove or two if you think you need it, roll it around in your mouth or keep it between cheek and gums in the back of your mouth. Works great! Just spit it out before it gets so soft that bursts open! Intense! It's also wonderful for toothache pain!

Posted by: Emma | March 10, 2008 at 03:49 PM

For Candace:

I recently did a yeast cleanse and a nice side benefit to this was that I became gas-free! The cleanse was LIFEFORCE PLAN. You can look it up online. I also lost weight on this, if anyone is interested, and it was that stubborn belly-fat. I have been off of this now for 3 months and have not gained the weight back and eat pretty much what I want.

Posted by: Susan | March 10, 2008 at 03:29 PM

I did not know cinnamon sticks help to get rid of bad breath. How would this work? Do you chew on a piece of cinnamon stick or do you add it to something?

Posted by: eleanor53 | March 10, 2008 at 03:01 PM

thank you so much for your input, and health tips. Because of this site, I have better my health and exercise program. thanks so much and keep up the good work.

Posted by: sherrelle | March 10, 2008 at 03:01 PM

thank you so much for your input, and health tips. Because of this site, I have better my health and exercise program. thanks so much and keep up the good work.

Posted by: sherrelle | March 10, 2008 at 03:01 PM

I love reading the Real Age tips, although some are better than others. Beware of any tip suggesting dairy, such as the last one here about yogurt. I have come to believe that cow milk causes breast & prostate cancer as much as cigarettes cause lung cancer. I'm dead serious; read on, Real Agers!

http://www.alkalizeforhealth.net/Lnotmilk6.htm

Posted by: Natalie P. | March 10, 2008 at 12:38 PM

I, too, have learned a lot of stuff from Real Age and look forward to each email, to learn something I don't know but need to know, and to get helpful hints.

Thanks, RealAge!

Posted by: Rachelle | March 10, 2008 at 12:38 PM

I have found that brushing or scraping the tongue as part of a personal hygeine routine helps alleviate bad breath. :)

Posted by: Robin  | March 10, 2008 at 12:10 PM

I am a bubble gum chewing nut. I like to chew a big cud while I work out at the gym and it keeps my mouth and lips moist. I like the real bubble gum flavor. Do you know if this has that chemicla in it to help prevent bad breath. That is something I say concious of as well as good smelling cologne. Thanks for any information. Also, if you have any tips on work outs, please advise. I'm 58, am told I'm buff, and look about 42, or so I'm told; they may just be, being kind, but I hit the gym almost every day. I like the way I look, my height and weight, and I'm not a big man, but happy to share pictures with everyone who gives me loads of comments wanting to know my secrets. And don't misunderstand, I love the complements, even in the gym locker room!

Thanks,

William

Posted by: Bill Fogleman | March 10, 2008 at 11:54 AM

Grrrrreat input! Grrrrreat remedies!!! Thanks!!! Patty

Posted by: PATTY | March 10, 2008 at 11:48 AM

I have used a tongue cleaner for years and it works great
no bad breath. Try it and you won't have to worry about contaminated citrus or how to injest cinnamon.

Posted by: Donna | March 10, 2008 at 11:45 AM

The tips about the contaminated lemon wedges should be heeded. Last year 7 of 9 of our group got food poisoning at lunchtime. We all had the lemon wedges in our water. It was reported to the Health Dept. and they said it was norovirus, same thing they get on cruise ships. Be careful!

Posted by: E. | March 10, 2008 at 11:25 AM

I enjoyed reading all of the info about herbs & cinnamon. I always add parsley to many dishes.

Posted by: Ruth | March 10, 2008 at 11:18 AM

Liquid Chlorophyll and Chlorophyllin - be sure to buy it with essential mint flavor!

Posted by: Columba | March 10, 2008 at 10:58 AM

For unknown causes of digestive upsets and gas, try www.alcat.com. A 30 year IBS problem was eliminated with information of my food and additive allergies. It is different from the allergy tests at a regular physicians office.

Posted by: Jennifer Heath | March 10, 2008 at 10:47 AM

How can stomach ulcer be managed, and what possible drugs can be taken?

Posted by: Onyinye Osedo | March 10, 2008 at 10:42 AM

I guarantee that cinnamon sticks are perfect for bad breath it's the best. Lemon
is also very good.

Posted by: neila | March 10, 2008 at 10:35 AM

Cloves is a good breath freshener. There used to be Cloves gum. Also, the liquid cloves that are used to relieve toothache pain makes your breath smell pleasant. Is there a form of cloves mouth refreshener spray?

Posted by: Elizabeth Reid | March 10, 2008 at 10:22 AM

GINGERROOT? A little gingerroot in moderation can be great for the digestion system. If you don't have a history of gas problems.lov u all

Posted by: Adrienne | March 10, 2008 at 09:44 AM

According to Nutritionists, bad breath can be caused by toxins anywhere in the body. I have taken a herbal Detox cleanse which worked very well. I usually take herbs & vitamins & minerals for any minor health issues that arise. My first experience with coffee was herbal coffee with tofu powdered milk. I even put flax seeds in yogurt. I usually eat only fruit/veges one day per week to keep toxins from building up in me. Now, my breath doesn't even smell from onions, garlic etc. I don't get gas from beans or dairy. The doctor says if you talk more, or breathe with your mouth open more, the bacteria won't be able to stay in a warm, moist, dark area and are far less likely to increase & cause such problems. It works for me, I hope it can help!

Posted by: Simone | March 10, 2008 at 09:17 AM

Excellent! I Vill be Bac

Posted by: Lennie | March 10, 2008 at 09:17 AM

CINNAMON/BAD BREATH? For starters,a teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water will help bad breath.lov u all

Posted by: Adrienne | March 10, 2008 at 09:11 AM

I like candied gingerroot (small amount) Is that healthy?

Posted by: Marie715 | March 10, 2008 at 09:06 AM

CINNAMON,Cinnamon,cinnamon? A little organic cinnamon with raw white honey can help alleviate some colds,inflamation and even pimples.lov u all

Posted by: Adrienne | March 10, 2008 at 08:49 AM
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