Waking up in a warm bed is good. Waking up with warm breath is not so good.
The dreaded “morning breath” is common – almost expected – but there are ways to reduce and possibly prevent this daily halitosis (bad breath).
If you are practicing good oral hygiene like brushing and flossing after meals and seeing your dentist for a cleaning twice a year, your bad breath is likely caused by what’s going on in your digestive tract.
During the day, your saliva helps wash away bacteria used to break down the chemicals and proteins left behind from food, but at night when the saliva production has stopped the bacteria and chemicals build-up and well, you know what you wake up to: HOT FIRE!
There are many foods that can help keep your breath fresh and improve your overall gastrointestinal health. Try eating these four before bedtime to wake to fresher mornings.
1. Vitamin C-rich Fruit (especially Apples)
Fruits that are high in vitamin C like plums, berries and citrus fruits will help your bad breath.
They are also good for preventing gingivitis and other gum diseases. Make a habit of keeping a bowl of plums by your bedside and eating one before you go to sleep.
Apples are a great food to eat to keep your oral hygiene in check, mostly because of their natural detergent properties, says Dr. Grenn.
When you bite into an apple, you’re pushing plaque away from your teeth, thus eliminating the food matter that could cause bacteria in your gums and teeth.
2. Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds are a common Indian remedy for bad breath because they help neutralize offensive odors and aid digestion. Eating the seeds also increases