The festive season is always accompanied by moreish, seasonal food and drink creations that we take much comfort in scoffing right through to the New Year. But are those treats that are tantalising your taste buds actually making your breath smell bad too?
It’s not all bad news for seasonal treat lovers, as HAYPP have compiled a list of the worst offenders, as well as the best ways to enjoy your favourite treats and keep your breath smelling fresh.
The most popular seasonal treats wreaking havoc on your breath
1)Eggnog (217k monthly searches)- the number one culprit for holiday halitosis, sporting the devilish triage of alcohol, sugar and dairy. Alcohol dries out the mouth, limiting saliva which is fundamental for keeping breath fresh, sugar fosters bacteria, and for those with lactose intolerance, the inability to digest dairy products can result in bad breath.
2)Seasonal coffees (106k monthly searches)- coffee has a negative impact on your breath generally due to its strong scent and tendency to linger on the tongue, but adding high-sugar festive flavourings into the equation can further decline your oral health and cause halitosis. High sugar content contributes to tooth decay, as harmful bacteria in the mouth feeds on this and produces acid as a byproduct, eroding the tooth enamel and making us prone to cavities.
3) Roast Dinners (33k monthly searches)- as the weather turns dreary, one of the first things that make a reappearance are our coveted Sunday roasts. Whether you’re enjoying a Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just another Sunday dinner, roasted meats, gorgeous seasonal root veggies and greens are an absolute staple. While typically a balanced meal offering up plenty of macro and micro nutrients, the high-protein combination of roasted meats, alongside cruciferous vegetables have a tendency to linger in the mouth long beyond being satiated.
4)Mince Pies (30k monthly searches) – crumbly pastry encasing all of the flavours of Christmas- chopped dried fruits, spices, nuts, plenty of sugar, spirits and a touch of fat- the ideal festive treat, especially when topped off with some brandy cream. While delicious, the alcohol content combined with sugar can create an unpleasant-smelling breath that lingers.
5)Cheeses and Chutney (2.5k monthly searches)– is any festive period truly complete without a star lineup of crackers, cheese and chutney? The perfect small bite to accompany your evening wine indulgence, but perhaps not so great for your breath. Chutney is typically laden with onions, alongside potent spices like garlic, cinnamon and nutmeg, which can typically create scents that linger on the breath for longer than desired. Similarly, your Christmas cheese collection may be doing your breath a disservice, from classic Morbiers to ewe’s milk like Pecorino, novelty cheeses and soft cheeses like Brie, all contain amino acids that react with oral bacteria to produce sulphur compounds.
How to cure holiday halitosis
- Practice good dental hygiene- Halitosis typically stems from lacklustre dental hygiene, and improving this should be your first port of call if you’ve noticed that you’re suffering. Ensuring that you’re brushing your teeth twice a day (some people prefer to brush after every meal) for two minutes, as well as incorporating dental flossing and tongue scraping, can decrease plaque buildup and radically improve your breath.
- Stay hydrated- mouth dryness often contributes to bad breath, as saliva plays an important role in keeping your mouth clean. Boost your water intake (not caffeinated or sugary drinks) to help keep bad breath at bay.
- Breath-busting foods and drinks- the following are said to have a positive impact on breath, try incorporating them into your routine, particularly after indulging in your favourite festive treats: parsley, pineapple juice, yoghurt, fennel seeds, orange, apple, green tea, apple cider vinegar, cloves.