It’s no fun having bad breath. It’s even less fun when you don’t know what is causing it. While bad breath is genetic for some people, the culprit is often the foods we eat. There are certain foods that are notorious for causing bad breath, but there are also some lesser known ones you may be eating on a daily basis. Read on to find out about some bad breath causing foods from Dr. Christopher Murphy at Southern Maine Orthodontics!
1. Pasta Sauce
The acidity from tomatoes in pasta sauce can cause a buildup of acids in the mouth and foster the growth of bacteria. These pesky bacteria can result in bad breath.
2. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a protein packed favorite among many of us, however, its paste-like consistency makes it difficult for saliva to break down the proteins once they’re in your mouth. The stickiness makes it so peanut butter can stay around your mouth for hours. Bad breath bacteria thrive on protein, making peanut butter a potential culprit for your stinky breath.
3. Coffee
Coffee addicts, you may be in trouble! Coffee has a drying effect on the mouth, which reduces saliva flow and allows bad breath bacteria not only to grow, but to linger longer. Be sure to drink plenty of water to counteract these bacteria.
4. Cheese
Did you know that most dairy products, including cheese, contain amino acids that react with your oral bacteria to produce sulfur compounds that can make your breath sour? These bacteria feast on milk solids that create excess hydrogen sulphide. The result of this is a mouth that smells like rotten eggs. Luckily, drinking water can help wash away the bacteria and particles that may be in your mouth.
A sure fire way to combat having bad breath would be to avoid these foods. But have no fear if these are foods you enjoy and want to continue eating. A lot of bad breath can be combated by drinking plenty of water. So just be sure to stay hydrated if you plan on eating any of these foods! As always, please contact our office if you have any questions about your oral health.