Beyond Garlic and Onions: Surprising Foods That Cause Bad Breath

We all know that pungent foods like garlic and raw onions can lead to unpleasant breath, but did you ever consider that there might be other foods lurking in your diet causing the same issue?

When we first stumbled upon this list, we were shocked. 

There are certain foods that, while not as bold as garlic or onions, can lead to bad breath in much the same way – only you'd never suspect these culprits.

Let’s start with the first food:

Peanut Butter!

Yes, you read that right. Peanut butter is very high in protein, but its thick texture poses a challenge for the mouth and tongue to break down. This density allows peanut butter to linger in the mouth longer than you'd expect, interacting with the bacteria present and potentially leading to bad breath. 

The second food is

Dairy Products.

Dairy products contain amino acids that, when they meet the resident bacteria in the mouth, create a real party. The bacteria feed on these acids, and the actual 'eating' process triggers a strong reaction that can manifest as bad breath. 

That's why many experts recommend brushing your teeth immediately after drinking a glass of milk or consuming cheese. 

The third food is

Citrus Fruits

While you might love oranges, clementines, and grapefruits, be aware that the acidity in citrus fruits can also be a cause of bad breath. Typically, this phenomenon occurs if citrus consumption is frequent, resulting in a particularly acidic environment in the mouth. 

Tomatoes and Tomato Paste

Tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and anything made from tomatoes are also highly acidic and best avoided when possible. If you've had bariatric surgery or suffer from a delicate digestive system vulnerable to reflux, heartburn, or other digestive issues, steer clear of tomatoes and products containing them, like mash. Bad breath is just one of the consequences of their consumption.