WaterHow it works: Bad breath can occur when the bacteria on your tongue break down the proteins in mucus and food—especially sugar and dairy products—which can cause the bacteria to release sulfur compounds. Result: stinky breath. However, bacteria's sworn enemy is oxygen, which is found in your own saliva. And drinking water (go with straight water over sugary flavored versions) makes you produce more saliva, which in turn neutralizes bad breath, says Harold Katz, a dentist in Los Angeles and the founder of TheraBreath.com.
Good to know: Some medications, including anti-depressants, blood-pressure drugs, and antihistamines, can cause a dry mouth. If you take them, you may want to increase your water intake beyond the widely recommended eight glasses a day.
See More: 6 Doctor-Recommended Sleep Aids
Vegetables
How they work: Fibrous vegetables, such as celery and cucumbers, boost your mouth's saliva production, which washes away odor-causing bacteria. In fact, holding a slice of cucumber between your tongue and the roof of your mouth for about 90 seconds helps limit odor. Crunchy vegetables help remove plaque on teeth and gums, which bacteria can feed on, says Gregg Lituchy, a cosmetic dentist in New York City.
Doctor-approved treatments for bad breath
