Everyone knows that garlic and onions are the usual culprits for bad breath. But do you know what other foods may be causing your stinky breath? For some people, bad breath can be genetic. However, whether you’re wearing braces or not, certain foods in your daily routine could be to blame. Read on to find out what Dr. Graham Gardner, Dr. Natalie La Rochelle, and Dr. Dana Tang at Gardner and La Rochelle Orthodontics has to say about some bad breath causing foods!

Pasta Sauce

The acidity from tomatoes in pasta sauce can cause a buildup of acids in the mouth and foster the growth of bacteria. These pesky bacteria can result in bad breath.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a protein packed favorite among many of us, however, its paste-like consistency makes it difficult for saliva to break down the proteins once they’re in your mouth. The stickiness makes it so peanut butter can stay around for your mouth for hours. Bad breath bacteria thrive on protein, making peanut butter a potential culprit for your stinky breath.

Coffee

Coffee addicts, you may be in trouble! Coffee has a drying effect on the mouth, which reduces saliva flow. As a result, this allows bad breath bacteria not only to grow, but to linger longer. Be sure to follow up your morning pick me up with water to counteract these bacteria.

Cheese

Did you know that most dairy products, including cheese, contain amino acids that react with your oral bacteria to produce sulfur compounds that can make your breath sour? These bacteria feast on milk solids that create excess hydrogen sulphide. The result of this is a mouth that smells like rotten eggs. Luckily, drinking water can help wash away the bacteria and particles that may be in your mouth.

Fortunately, most of these foods’ bad breath-causing problems can be combated by drinking plenty of water. So be sure to stay hydrated at all times to combat bad breath, and maybe avoid these foods if you are ever worried about having bad breath. For more tips on how to keep your smile healthy during orthodontic treatment, contact our office. Your smile is our priority.