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.
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.
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.
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.