Bad breath is closely related to diet. On June 5, the American "Fox News Network" published an article summarizing "4 Unexpected Foods That Cause Bad Breath" by Dr. Jessica Emery, an American oral specialist from Chicago.
1. Alcohol.
Alcohol is a diuretic. Excessive drinking can easily lead to dehydration in the mouth, brain, and body, while also hindering the normal secretion of saliva. Saliva contains many substances that can decompose and wash away "smelly bacteria," so excessive drinking will inevitably worsen bad breath. It is recommended to drink some plain water during the drinking process.
2. Mints.
Dr. Emery states that many mints claim to freshen breath and eliminate bad breath, but in fact, the disadvantages outweigh the benefits. Once the menthol disappears from the mouth, the strange taste in the mouth will quickly rebound and worsen. Most mints contain sucrose, which is "a delicacy for bacteria." Bacteria release sulfur compounds during the process of breaking down sugar, which worsens bad breath.
3. Meat.
Dr. Emery explains that eating too much meat leads to an intake of protein that exceeds the body's needs. The body then breaks it down into carbohydrates for energy. This process produces ammonia (a urine-like smell), which is expelled through the mouth.
4. Dried fruit.
Dried fruit not only contains a large amount of sugar that promotes bacterial growth, but also a large amount of insoluble dietary fiber, which更容易 leads to the accumulation of sugar in the mouth and between teeth. After eating dried fruit, be sure to clean the spaces between your teeth promptly.
How to Check for Bad Breath Yourself
Many people are at risk for bad breath or have mild bad breath without realizing it. You can use the following simple self-check methods to detect early signs of bad breath in order to respond in a timely manner.
1. Scrape your tongue. Dip a toothbrush in water and gently scrape your tongue. If the bristles turn yellow, it is very likely that you have bad breath.
2. Smell your breath. Take a clean plastic or paper bag, exhale into it for a few seconds. If there is an unpleasant odor, you may have bad breath.
3. Smell your dental floss. Before brushing your teeth, use dental floss to clean between your teeth. If the floss has a strange smell, it means you have a large amount of oral bacteria and a high risk of bad breath.