You may already be aware of some of these but others might surprise you
The worst thing about bad breath is that you might be aware you have it unless someone else points it out to you – and very few people will do that.
That’s why, it’s up to you to be aware of what can cause it and how to prevent it from affecting your daily interactions or meetings with new people.
When you’re preparing for a work presentation, a romantic date or a special occasion, the last thing you want is bad breath or body odour putting a dampener on the evening.
Dr. Michael Zaninovich, Principal prosthodontist at Aria Dental, warns that certain foods can not only make your breath smell unpleasant but can also affect the scent of your skin. Garlic is one of the biggest offenders, but it’s not alone. Other foods can have similar effects on your breath and skin. Here’s what he recommends avoiding:
Garlic and onions
Garlic and onions contain sulphur compounds that are absorbed into the bloodstream and exhaled through the lungs and skin, causing a lingering odour even after brushing. “Both garlic and onions are notorious for causing bad breath that mouthwash alone can’t fix,” explains Dr. Zaninovich.
Pro tip: Opt for garlic-free dishes on the day of a special occasion or neutralise the odour by chewing on fresh parsley, which can help mask both breath and skin odours.
Spicy Foods
Spices can lead to smelly breath due to their strong aromas, but they can also cause your body to sweat, potentially affecting your skin odour. Chilies, curry, and other spicy dishes may add heat to your meal, but they can leave an unwelcome scent behind.
Pro tip: Stick to milder dishes to avoid spicy after-effects, and drink plenty of water to minimise sweating.
Dairy Products
Dairy can cause bad breath due to the breakdown of amino acids by bacteria in the mouth, which produces sulphur-smelling compounds. Additionally, some people experience increased body odour after consuming dairy if they are lactose intolerant, as this causes digestive issues.
Pro tip: Try non-dairy alternatives like almond or soy milk to avoid these issues, especially before a big event.
Coffee
Coffee may be a go-to pick-me-up, but it can dehydrate the mouth, allowing odour-causing bacteria to thrive. It can also make your breath smell stale and even lead to sweating.
Pro tip: Pair coffee with water to avoid dry mouth, and consider a quick brush after drinking it to minimise odour.
Alcohol
Alcohol has a drying effect on the mouth, leading to a decrease in saliva production. With less saliva, the bacteria that cause bad breath have more opportunity to grow. Alcohol can also seep through your pores, leading to unpleasant skin odours.
Pro tip: Sip water alongside alcohol to stay hydrated and reduce both bad breath and body odour.
