Seven Foods and Beverages That Could Be the Cause of Your Bad Breath
Whether you’ve been told you have bad breath or you are just starting to feel as though you do, you are likely wondering what the cause of your bad breath could be. While the most common cause is not brushing and flossing correctly or often enough, there are some foods and beverages that can cause issues too. Keep reading to learn what they are and contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 if you would like to set up a dental cleaning and exam with a local dentist.
- Garlic, Onions, and Coffee
- Tuna
- Alcohol
- High-Protein Diets
- Milk and Other Dairy Products
Yes, these are three different substances, but they are the most common causes of food-related bad breath, and they are the ones that most people think of first. As a result, we are getting them out of the way by listing them together.
When you open your can of tuna, and it has a strong, fishy smell, it is nice to think that this strong smell goes away as soon as the food is eaten. The truth is that once the tuna mingles with saliva and bacteria in your mouth, it can smell even worse.
Alcohol itself does not cause bad breath, but it does cause dry mouth. When you have dry mouth, you do not have enough saliva production, and saliva is your mouth’s natural cleanser and odor defender.
There are a number of potentially negative effects of a high-protein diet, including bad breath. Many people who choose high protein diets do so to get into a state of ketosis, which is causes digestion issues and can result in bad breath.
Believe it or not, when your tongue is healthy, it is covered in bacteria. This is natural bacteria that, on its own, is actually good for the digestion of food. However, when it mixes with some things, especially dairy, it can cause a bad smell. This does not mean you have to stop eating or drinking dairy products, but you should expect to need to brush, floss, and use a breath mint afterward.
We Can Help Ensure There is No Medical Issue for Your Bad Breath
Unfortunately, bad breath can sometimes be caused by a medical issue such as gum disease. That is why we suggest that anyone who has bad breath on a regular basis and is not sure why should see a dentist. You can contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 now if you would like to make an appointment for a teeth cleaning and dental exam.
