Bad breath is a very embarrassing thing. When you are having a pleasant conversation with someone, a sudden, unintentional nose-covering gesture from the other person can leave you speechless. Therefore, it is very necessary to keep your breath fresh, and eating more of these 9 types of foods in your daily life can help us get rid of bad breath anytime, anywhere, so we can speak our minds whenever we want:
1. Lotus Root
Lotus root is slightly sweet and crisp, nutritious, and contains a large amount of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Cooked lotus root is sweet and warm in nature, beneficial to the spleen and stomach, and has effects such as nourishing the stomach, nourishing yin, benefiting blood, and stopping diarrhea. It is suitable for eliminating bad breath caused by stomach heat.
2. Shiitake Mushroom
In recent years, shiitake mushrooms have not only become a popular food for boosting immunity, but some studies since 2000 have also found that they help protect teeth. This is because the lentinan contained in shiitake mushrooms can inhibit bacteria in the mouth and reduce dental plaque.
3. Celery
Celery helps eliminate bad breath in the mouth, especially the smell of smoke. For better results, you can chew celery or steep it in water to drink.
4. Mint
Mint leaves contain monoterpenes, which can be carried by the bloodstream to the lungs to freshen breath. After eating a heavy meal, drinking a cup of unsweetened mint tea can cut through the grease and relieve bloating. If you are troubled by the smell of onions or garlic and dare not speak, it is recommended to chew 2-3 fresh mint leaves to help remove the odor.
5. Kelp
Recent research has found that kelp, a type of seaweed, contains a highly effective deodorizing substance, and its deodorizing effect is three times that of existing bad breath inhibitors, flavonoids.
6. Green Tea
Green tea contains a large amount of fluoride, which combines with hydroxyapatite in teeth to have an acid-resistant and anti-cavity effect. Catechins can reduce *Streptococcus mutans*, which causes cavities, and at the same time, can remove unpleasant breath. You can drink 2-5 cups of green tea a day according to your personal preference.
7. Yogurt
A study published in the *Times of India* showed that drinking yogurt daily can reduce the level of hydrogen sulfide in the mouth, as this substance is the main culprit causing bad breath. Drinking yogurt appropriately can also prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, reducing the chances of developing gum disease or dental plaque.
8. Fruits Rich in Vitamin C
Berries, citrus fruits, watermelon, and other foods rich in vitamin C can create an environment in the mouth that is unfavorable for bacterial growth. Regular intake of vitamin C is also very useful for gum health. However, note that vitamin C should be obtained from natural foods, not from food additives, as additives may disrupt digestion.
9. Wasabi
When eating Japanese sashimi or sushi, wasabi is always served, mainly for its antibacterial properties. Besides pairing it with sashimi, you can also mix a small spoonful of wasabi with a little soy sauce to make a dipping sauce for boiled seafood, which can neutralize the fishy smell.