The 6 Foods You Should Eat For Fresher Breath

If you’re unaware of it, having bad breath can severely impact your relationships and prevent you from creating new ones. No one likes conversing with or even standing very close to someone with less than appealing smell. If you can smell your own breath when you’re breathing or flossing, chances are that it’s way past time to do something about it. While poor brushing, mouth breathing, medication, allergies, and medical conditions can contribute to bad mouth odors, diet also plays a major role. While avoiding certain food choices such as onions and garlic may be common knowledge, actively incorporating these items below can actually reduce toxic mouth odors:

1. Green and Black Tea

Research indicates that certain types of tea possess the ability to reduce bad breath. Green tea disinfects and deodorises the mouth and can freshen up the breath for a short time. It fights off the bacteria that cause gum disease and tooth decay, and it has relatively low sugar content. Black tea can also hinder the growth of bacteria that contributes to bad breath. In addition, infusing mint into your cup of tea can give you that added boost of freshness and cool feeling. However, be careful not to overdo it on the tea, because too much caffeine can dry up your mouth and cause the opposite effect. For more information on the causes and prevention of bad breath, take a look at the Bad Breath: Causes and Prevention article. 

2. Yogurt

While consuming dairy products may make your breath smell sour, yogurt packed with probiotics can actually do the opposite. Probiotics are a good type of bacteria that combat the presence of harmful bacteria in your mouth. Some research demonstrates that eating probiotic yogurt and chewing xylitol chewing gum have similar impacts on the reduction of bad breath, Yogurt also offers good protection for bones and teeth aids in the prevention of digestive problems. If you’re a huge fan of yogurt, you can actually try your hand at making your own homemade version using a rice cooker, live cultures, and some milk. Check out this guide to help you find the best rice cooker to match your needs.

3. Apples

Apples are a great fruit for dental health because they act as natural toothbrushes for your teeth. They can help remove pieces of food stuck in your teeth, which can encourage the growth of plaque and subsequent bad breath. They also contain polyphenols, which break down sulphur compounds that cause bad odours. In contrast to soft, sticky, and sugary foods, crunchy apples are even linked to a lower risk of many major diseases, including diabetes and cancer. To find the best gadgets to peel and slice your apples, have a look at this list of carefully curated gadgets

4. Sugar-Free Mint or Cinnamon Gum

Candy and gum often get a bad reputation for their high sugar content. However, sugar-free varieties can actually help reduce bad odours in your mouth. While mint may temporarily mask bad smells, cinnamon is significantly more effective in stopping the odour at its source. Because sugarless gum can boost the flow of saliva, this reduces the build up of plaque and cleans teeth at the same time. In addition, it reduces the amount of acid in your mouth and cuts down on tooth decay. For a rundown of the best and worst chewing gum for your health, here’s a highly comprehensive list to help you make an informed purchasing decision: 

5. Parsley and Basil

If you’re looking for a way to cut down on odour-causing flavours like garlic and onions, you may be searching for a way to spice up your recipe. The good news is that herbs like parsley and basil contain natural chemicals that act as remedies for bad breath. They also add some richness and zest to your recipes, especially when used in combination. In addition, the high chlorophyll content also helps mask bad breath. For some tasty recipes to help you expand your cooking repertoire, check out this list of garlic and onion-free recipes below. While it may be intimidating to cook without these ingredients, finding other ways to enhance your chosen dish is a great way to experiment in the kitchen.

6. Citrus Fruits

Using lemon to mask bad odours in the kitchen is a trick that almost everyone knows. This knowledge also extends to your dental health. Citrus fruit and other fruits that have a high vitamin C content can help prevent gingivitis and other forms of oral disease. However, it’s important to note that grapefruit and lemon juice have a high acid content and can erode teeth enamel. Because of this, it’s a good idea to rinse out your mouth with a glass of water if you can’t brush your teeth right away. For some creative ways to incorporate these fruits into your daily diet, here are some fruity recipes that you can whip up in the kitchen.


In addition to adding these foods into your diet, drinking plenty of water can help keep your mouth hydrated and reduce the likelihood of having bad breath. It’s all about making adjustments to your diet and dental routine to ensure that your breath smells fresh and clean.