It's all about Sulphur!

The reason Onions and Garlic create bad breath is because the odorous molecules in onions and garlic are actually sulphur compounds.  The skunk creates odors as a defense and/or attack mechanism which are made up of natural sulphur compounds (skatoles, etc).  If food sits out too long it will spoil.  That action is due to anaerobic bacteria breaking down proteins in that particular food.  In milk, the odor of sour milk is caused by relatives of the bugs that create bad breath, when they break down the LACTOSE protein and allow the release of the amino acids which in turn end up becoming Volatile Sulphur Compounds, exactly the same compounds found in bad breath.  The same analogy applies to meat if it sits out too long.

There are 4 categories of foods that will result in an increase of sulphur production because these categories have a stimulating affect on the bacteria:

DRYING AGENTS:

Alcohol, the most common drying agent in food is the basis of all "adult" beverages such as Beer, Wine, and Hard liquor.  It is also used in mouthwash. Known chemically as a desiccant, it is used in laboratories to "dry out" hard to reach areas in test tubes and beakers.  Alcohol has the same effect on the oral tissues.

Cigarettes are not food, but smoking is probably the quickest way to dry out your mouth, followed by alcohol.  If you smoke and drink, bad breath is inevitable!

DENSE PROTEIN FOODS:

Dairy foods are high in protein and as a result are notorious for creating bad breath.  Lactose Intolerant individuals cannot breakdown the lactose protein in dairy foods (milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, etc), the resulting build-up of amino acids are easily converted into Volatile Sulphur Compounds by the anaerobic bacteria found within the surface of your tongue and throat.  Also, a small number of individuals are not able to break down other dense proteins found in  Beef, Chicken, Fish or Beans.

SUGARS:

Breath mints that contain sugar are "Fuel" for bacteria to reproduce and create more of the Volatile Sulphur Compounds that actually cause Bad Breath.  Additionally, other bacteria take the sugars and produce glycan strands, causing a thick layer of plaque to build up on your enamel and around your gums.  This leads to tooth decay, gum disease and worse Breath than when you started.  It is wise to stay away from candies, mints, and chewing gum if they contain sugar.

ACIDIC FOODS:

Acidic foods such as:

make the bacteria responsible for the production of odorous sulphur compounds reproduce faster.  Therefore, in order to decrease the reproduction of these bacteria, you need to maintain a "more neutral" or "less Acid" environment.

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Last modified: October 17, 2007