Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentistry

Halitois and Food

Friday, February 19, 2010

Food and Bad Breath

Onions, garlic and many other foods can contribute to bad breath, otherwise known as halitosis. The source of the foul odors is from the sulfur components in the foods. Sulfur is one of nature’s special ways of creating nasty smells. The tainted odor from a skunk is made up of sulfur compounds! That is one of nature’s ways of creating a defense mechanism. Could bad breath be a way that nature defends your date from being kissed?
Well there are foods that you can eat that promote “date breath”.

Mouthwash is just masking the bad smell. Foul smelling foods can linger as long as 72 hours after being consumed according to the Academy of General Dentistry. Some suggestions to keep the problem to a minimum are to drink water to keep the mouth moist and to help rinse odor creating bacteria out of your mouth. Coffee is one of those beverages that will create an environment for bacteria to flourish. Fruit and vegetable are great sources with a high liquid content, celery is particularly good at helping to eliminate the whiff of odor producing bacteria.

Most importantly, to keep your breath kissing fresh is to brush, floss and have your teeth cleaned by your dental hygienist on a regular basis. The impact that periodontal disease has on your breath can be significant.

If it has been a while since your last hygiene visit please give us a call at 561-394-9000. We will schedule an appointment with Katherine or Sherri to get you on your way to a healthier mouth and fresher, kissable breath.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.