Bad Breath and Food: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly  

Got bad breath? Halitosis can be a frustrating issue that sometimes doesn’t seem to have any rhyme or reason. You may wake up with horrible breath, deal with offensive breath after a meal, or simply have a bad taste in your mouth. In any case, food may be to blame. In fact, there is good, bad, and ugly when it comes to food and your breath. Check out some pointers from an Athens general dentist below.

Foods for Good Breath

Several foods are actually good to eat if you are concerned about bad breath. Some foods encourage saliva production, while others are good about sloughing away odor-causing bacteria. Crunchy, raw fruits and vegetables like apples, celery, and carrots are all good examples. Probiotic yogurt is also good for your breath as it balances out the levels of healthy bacteria in your mouth.

Foods that Cause Bad Breath

Quite a few foods can cause bad breath simply because they are naturally pungent. Garlic, horseradish, onions, and foods that contain these ingredients are notorious for causing lingering odors in the mouth. Canned tuna and pungent cheeses are also likely to cause bad breath.

Foods that Create Ugly, Ongoing Bad Breath

Ongoing problems with bad breath tend to come from either gum disease or excess buildup of plaque around the gums. While eating sugar won’t immediately cause bad breath, long-term sugar consumption can definitely lead to a more chronic problem with bad breath. This is especially true without good oral hygiene.

Discuss Halitosis with an Athens, TX Dentist

When you’re dealing with bad breath, there can be oral health issues to blame. Therefore, talking to an Athens, TX dentist about the problem is recommended. Reach out to us at Athens Smiles Family Dental to schedule an appointment.