What to Eat for Bad Breath

People casting around for long term ways to deal with an oral malodor problem often wonder what to eat for bad breath. Although suggestions for specific beneficial foods – mostly to temporarily mask the odor in the mouth – are easy to come by, there are few solid suggestions for lifestyle and dietary changes that will actually alleviate the problem. No doubt the best overall advice is simply to stick to a healthy diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plant protein sources (beans, nuts), and low in fat, and refined carbohydrates.

Among the popular foods that help against halitosis, we find aromatic herbs and spices such as mint leaves, cloves, fennel, anise, and parsley. These can be chewed to give a temporary pleasant odor to the breath, and some may contain essential oils that are actually helpful in fighting the odor-causing bacteria that live in the mouth. They are not cures, however, and really just mask the bad smell for a short while. When considering what to eat for bad breath, most people want better alternatives. Scientific research has little to offer.

Among the foods that help against halitosis, there are a few that act by cleaning the teeth and keeping the oral environment healthy. Among them are apple and guava, which are said to clean the teeth and help to clear out trapped food particles. Fresh young guava leaves are also mentioned, though these may be hard to come by where the plant does not grow. Many nutrients, of course, contribute to the maintenance of healthy tissues in the mouth. While contemplating what to eat for bad breath, consider taking a multivitamin and mineral supplement. This should cover any nutritional areas of weakness, at least until a healthy diet is well established.

Some sources do recommend specific foods that help against halitosis. Some swear by fenugreek tea, an infusion made from a plant from southern Asia. The tea may be helpful in cases where oral malodor is caused by sinusitis or another nose or throat problem. Avocado is said to be helpful, especially when an intestinal problem is involved. Other specific suggestions for what to eat for bad breath include raw fruit and vegetable juices, seeds, nuts, and grains. Avoid dairy products, eggs, meat, and refined carbohydrates. For the halitosis sufferer, the key is to keep an open mind and try different things. No remedy works for everyone.