10 Foods that Fight Bad Breath

Integrating some foods in our diet plan can help fight bad breath.

It is vital to have crunchy items, vitamin C and dairy products among other things to breathe fresh always.

There is nothing more embarrassing than being pinpointed for bad breath.

The medical term for this condition is called 'Halitosis' when unpleasant odours are exhaled during breathing. Mints and mouth sprays work on this problem but only temporarily.

Let us explore the 6 main causes of Halitosis.
1. If you do not clean your tongue properly, it will produce bacteria and fatty acids that can cause Halitosis.
2. Dry mouth.
3. Eating certain food items like onion and garlic
4. Smoking.
5. Gum diseases where bacteria grow below the gum line and create foul smell.
6. Other causes are non-oral diseases like diabetes, carcinoma, and respiratory tract infections.

Besides brushing and flossing teeth on a regular basis, include these 10 wondrous food items to fight bad breath:-

An apple a dayAn apple a day not only keeps the doctor away but also bad breath at bay. Its solid texture helps to get rid of the excessive plaque. Its juice mixes with the saliva to provide moisture to the dry mouth and eliminates bacteria.
Veggie DelightCelery, carrots and other crisp vegetables stimulate the flow of saliva which helps in keeping your mouth moist. Their fibrous texture also helps in washing away the substances clinging into the gums. Their cleaning action and hydrating powers do not favour substances causing bad breath.
Dairy Daily
We all love dairy products, don't we? And when they come with health benefits it is a total win-win situation. Eating yoghurt each day without sugar reduces malodorous compounds that cause bad breath. It also works on gingivitis and plaque.

Cinnamon FunDo you like the Cinnamon sticks or prefer a tasty flavour of Cinnamon tea? Be it in any form, cinnamon basically conceals the smell in the mouth. Its strong fragrance can enrich the mouth with a nice flavour and kills the odour-causing bacteria.
Herb GardenChew parsley sprigs for a delightful scent. If you end up eating onion or garlic for lunch, this comes as a saviour. Also, you do not want the stink of onions and garlic during business meetings. So, only a reasonable amount of onions and garlic should be consumed at night. If you eat too much garlic at night, your whole body would smell the next day. For this, you can carry cloves or green cardamom with you. There are other herbs also like basil or rosemary that solve the same purpose. You can even steep these herbs in hot water and drink.
Citrusy magicSome fruits that combat bad breath are strawberries and lemons. Since they are juicy, they quickly hydrate and provide Vitamin C to the mouth. Vitamin C present in berries, melons and other citrus fruits makes it very hard for the germs to exist. Taking a regular dose of vitamin C can help you get rid of all the gum and teeth related problems.
Love MintsMints do not really fight bad breath but mask it for some time. A minty chewing gum helps to keep the mouth hydrated. While you may keep one pack of sugar free mints handy, do not over indulge. In fact, a good alternative is a few drops of peppermint oil on the tongue for a very pleasant aroma.
Water WealthHaving plenty of water in between meals and all through the day is the best way to hydrate the mouth. It acts like an artificial saliva and washes away the food residues in the mouth leaving it refreshed. It is recommended that an adult should consume 2 to 3 litres of fluids a day, some as soups and tea, but mostly as water.

Tea TimeBlack tea and Green tea are really helpful in fighting bad breath. They curb the growth of bacteria that causes unpleasant smell and prevents tooth decay. However, you should drink in moderation, as too much intake of caffeine is not good for health.
Nutty helpHazelnuts can work against bad breath if chewed properly and regularly. Hazelnuts are also rich in vitamins and protein. That is why hazelnuts are good for the health of teeth and gums.