According to the American Dental Association, halitosis is chronic bad breath. It’s the morning breath that shows up every day, the breath that makes you embarrassed to whisper secrets in someone’s ear, and the breath that makes you avoid kisses at all costs.
Typical “fixes” for bad breath like mints, mouth spray, or mouthwash don’t solve halitosis. If you have halitosis or persistent bad breath, you’re all too familiar with the fact that nothing you do seems to make it go away.
Halitosis could be a sign of something more serious going on in your mouth or body, such as:
Cavities
Gum disease
Tonsil stones
Infection caused by bacteria
Dry mouth
Gastric reflux
Diabetes
Liver or kidney disease
Bad breath is estimated to affect 1 in 4 people globally.
The most common cause of halitosis is bad oral hygiene.
If particles of food are left in the mouth, their breakdown by bacteria produces sulfur compounds.
Keeping the mouth hydrated can reduce mouth odour.
Here are five fruits known for their ability to reduce halitosis:
Apples: Apples are natural breath fresheners due to their crunchy texture and high water content, which helps wash away bacteria and food particles in the mouth.
Pineapples: Pineapples contain bromelain, an enzyme that helps break down proteins and reduce the bacteria that cause bad breath.
Berries: Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which can help fight bacteria in the mouth and freshen your breath.
Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits stimulate saliva production, which helps wash away bacteria and food particles that can cause bad breath.
Kiwi: Kiwi is rich in vitamin C and contains enzymes that can help break down protein, reducing the buildup of bacteria in the mouth and combating bad breath.
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