Waking Up With Morning Breath? Try 6 Foods That Can Help Ward It Off

Morning breath, a type of halitosis or bad breath, is a common trouble that is anything but pleasing to wake up to on a bright, new day. Getting out of bed to an aftertaste of last night's food or a sour, stale odour is rather unsavoury. There are a number of different reasons, from a poor diet to dry mouth to simply a lack of brushing and flossing, that can cause morning breath.

In severe cases of halitosis that require a more serious look at oral hygiene, dry mouth, or gastrointestinal issues, it is best to consult a dentist or a physician for ways to combat morning breath. But there are a few home remedies that can accompany some lifestyle changes and oral hygiene practises to reduce bad breath. Many times, morning breath is connected to diet and nutrition, and here are some foods that can help to ward it off:

Yoghurt

Yoghurt is a good source of probiotics and is typically high in vitamin D, which means it can reduce the growth of bacteria in the body. This leads to a healthy gut, and healthy digestion is the surest way to wake up without morning breath. Yoghurt also reduces the level of harmful toxins in the body that can cause a rotting smell and leaves the mouth feeling fresh.

Also read: How Ginger Helps With Stomach Health

Water

Water is not strictly a food, but it is one of the surest ways to avoid morning breath. Being adequately hydrated at all times naturally washes away bacteria and food particles that come from leftover foods in the mouth. Simply rinsing well after a meal is just as important as drinking the usually advised 2-3 litres of water every day.

Ginger

Ginger is not only good for adding flavour to a dish, but it also cleanses the palate, getting rid of the odour. Gingerol activates essential enzymes in the saliva that break down odour-causing sulphur compounds. Chewing on a bit of soonth (dry ginger) powder or fresh ginger after a meal not only keeps the stomach healthy but also helps fight morning breath.

Herbs And Spices

Parsley is actually a popularly recommended herb to ward off morning breath, along with spearmint and rosemary. Spearmint candy can be popped at any time, and spices added to food on a regular basis enhance the amount of antioxidants in the body, which help to counteract the effects of toxins. A sound sleep after having a cup of milk and nutmeg will combat mental stress and morning breath.

Raw Vegetables

Because morning breath is so closely connected to gut health, it is important to eat foods that are rich in fibre, like kale, celery, apples, and carrots, which make the mouth produce more saliva. A good amount of saliva ensures that food starts getting processed in the mouth itself, and any waste finds quick passage through the intestines, reducing the accumulation of rotting, undigested food in the body. High-fibre vegetables are also rich in vitamin C, which helps keep bad breath away.

Green Tea

Green tea is filled with antioxidants. A much-recommended beverage to burn those extra calories and flush out toxins, green tea is also a potent liquid to ward off bad breath. It contains catechins that fend off bacteria, reducing odour and an overall tendency to get morning breath.

More than anything else, since morning breath is closely linked to digestive issues, remember that good gut health will lead to an odour-free mouth in the morning!