Why Does My Breath Smell?

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No one is immune to a case of bad breath. But we all know someone who just can’t seem to get it right. Maybe it’s you! If that’s the case, it’s probably because you’re eating the wrong foods at the wrong times. Certain foods make people with even the best dental hygiene have bad breath. We’re going to take a look at some of the worst foods for your breath that you’ll want to stay away from.

Coffee

Coffee breath is not a new concept to anyone who drinks it or who has ever been around anyone who drinks it. The chemical nature of coffee creates a drying effect in the mouth which increases the intensity of the smell, as well as creates an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. The combination of these two factors makes for some wickedly strong and bad breath.

A cup of black coffee.

Dairy

Especially milk can make your breath stink. It might be good for you, but it’s heavy, strong, and the bacteria gets easily absorbed onto your tongue where it stays. Have you ever sniffed some rotten milk? That’s what your tongue smells like after milk sits on it.

A glass of milk.

Fish

Seafood has a strong smell in general, so when you eat a lot of it, it gets leftover in your mouth. Unlike wine, fish does not get better with age. Particularly, canned tuna can make your breath smell like garbage from the sea. Tuna that is sealed tends to smell worse than fresh fish and can take that effect to your breath as well.

A tasty piece of salmon.

Garlic and onions

Garlic and onions, while some of the most delicious food enhancers, are some of the smelliest things you can put into your mouth. There sulfur compounds that exist in garlic and onions that stay in your mouth after consumption. These compounds can get absorbed into your bloodstream and come out through your breath when you breathe. That’s when they smell! You don’t have to stop eating garlic or onions, just try to use them sparingly and remember to brush afterward!

Making your breath better

We know you can’t totally avoid all food and drinks that make your breath smell. That would be a dull, tasteless world. But you can cut down on the amount, and strategically plan when you eat these foods. Other than having a good oral care routine, you can chew a piece of sugar-free gum after drinking your morning coffee. Or you can brush your teeth after a, particularly fishy meal. If you’re dedicated to making your breath the freshest it can be, consider investing in a tongue scraper from AutoBrush. A clean tongue goes a long way and is the only way to ensure you’re keeping your breath fresh.