If you have ever watched a friend, coworker, or loved one shrink away after you open your mouth to speak, you might be wondering what to do to ward off bad breath. Although many people reach for breath spray or mints, some foods and drinks can quell bad odors and help prevent the beginning symptoms of periodontal disease. Here are three foods and drinks to freshen breath. 

Foods That Prevent Bad Breath & Periodontal Disease

1. Celery 

Celery is filled with water and naturally crunchy. As you chew, celery fibers help to clean plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the surfaces of the teeth, while simultaneously rinsing them away. To enjoy more celery as part of your daily diet, consider packing pre-cut sticks in a small plastic bag when you head to work or serve them as a side with dinner.

2. Water

When you drink water, you are naturally cleansing the teeth and neutralizing bacterial acids. Additionally, if you are enjoying fluoridated water, you are also strengthening the dental enamel, making your teeth less susceptible to decay. 

3. Sugar-Free Gum

Although reaching for a pack of gum might seem counter-intuitive if you are concerned about dental health, chewing sugar-free gum boosts saliva production, encouraging remineralization of the teeth and warding off decay and periodontal disease. Your saliva contains minerals necessary for neutralizing acids and repairing lesions, so keep a pack of sugar-free gum in your car, desk, and bag.

Although watching your diet can help with bad breath, some dental problems can also cause unpleasant tastes and odors in the mouth. If this is an ongoing problem, contact the dentists at BridgeView Dental Group in Kodiak, AK. They will help with orthodontic care, emergency dentistry, and the treatment of periodontal disease. To book an appointment, visit their website or give them a call at (907) 486-3257.