Foods That Cause Bad Breath and Tips to Fight It

If you suffer from bad breath (halitosis) after eating, you’ll be happy to know that there are solutions at hand. There are many ways to combat smelly breath and still enjoy the foods you love. Of course, some medical conditions will cause bad breath, so it’s not always food or hygiene-related. But it’s good to be aware of foods that can cause bad breath. That’s why here, we’ve listed some of the main offenders, along with some downright handy tips for freshening up after enjoying them.

Why do some foods cause bad breath?

First up, all foods can impact your breath. When we eat, food debris can stick to our teeth and tongue, providing a nice meal for the bacteria in our mouth. When some bacteria feed on food, especially proteins, they produce compounds that give off an odour. On top of mouth bacteria, strong-smelling foods can also cause bad breath when they enter the bloodstream. But, you don’t have to avoid tasty, aromatic foods just because they affect your breath. There are products you can use and habits you can adopt to freshen your breath after each meal.

Garlic, onions and spicy foods

Lots of spicy foods, including chiles, peppers and spices, can give you bad breath.

Garlic and onions also can produce an odour long after you finish the meal. For example, according to the UNSW Odour Laboratory, garlic is a classic example. “Your body processes it into allyl methyl sulphide (AMS), which is then exuded as an unpleasant odour through your pores,” he said.

HANDY TIP: Chew sugar-free gum or brush your teeth after eating spicy or aromatic meals to help combat bad breath after indulging in the foods you love.

Coffee and alcoholic beverages

According to Queensland Health, caffeinated and alcoholic beverages can contribute to a dry mouth. Dry mouth does happen while we sleep, contributing to ‘morning breath.’ But when you consume drinks that dry out your mouth, you can suffer from a dry mouth and consequently bad breath at any time of the day.

HANDY TIP: Make it a habit to drink water before and after enjoying caffeinated or alcoholic beverages to help reduce dry mouth and freshen breath.

Tuna and other fish

Tuna and other fish are filling, high in protein, and delicious! However, tuna and other canned fish have a specific ‘fishy’ odour caused by the chemical compound trimethylamine (TMA).

HANDY TIP: Splash lemon or vinegar onto fish before eating. Acidic ingredients can help TMA bind to water, reducing its potency. Alternatively, chew some sugar-free gum or brush your teeth after eating to help with the odour.

How to fight bad breath

Remember, a proper oral care routine can help your breath smell fresh, even if you indulge in these aromatic foods and beverages. Brushing your teeth for two minutes in the morning and two minutes at night will help remove leftover bits of food and prevent plaque buildup. Plaque is a film of bacteria that coats your teeth if you don’t brush them properly, according to healthdirect.

And there’s more you can do! Cleaning between your teeth with floss, water flossers or interdental brushes - and rinsing with a mouthwash or antiseptic mouthrinse all help freshen your breath.

So don’t sit at home covering your mouth, feeling miserable. Get out there and enjoy life – and your favourite foods (in moderation). Just be aware of the foods that cause bad breath and all the clever things you can do to stay on top of it.