From Marin Gazzaniga for MSN Health & Fitness.
Bad breath results from two key issues: oral hygiene and gastrointestinal health. The culprit in both cases is largely bacteria. Doctors will tell you that if you have bad breath, you should first make sure you are eating right … and brushing and flossing after every meal. Here are some things you can ingest (or chew) that can help.
“Coriander, spearmint, tarragon, eucalyptus, rosemary and cardamom are all good for fighting bad breath,” says Dr. Christine Gerbstadt.
Apples, carrots, celery—basically any fiber-rich 
fruit or vegetable is your friend when it comes to fighting halitosis.
A recent study found that a serving of yogurt each day reduces the level of odor-causing hydrogen sulfide in the mouth. Apparently it also cuts back on bacteria in the mouth—plaque and gum disease were reduced in the study’s yogurt eaters as well.
Sugarless gum shouldn’t replace brushing your teeth after a meal, but in a pinch it can freshen breath (masking odors) and is another way to increase saliva production to rinse away plaque and bacteria.
Eating berries, citrus fruits, melons and other vitamin C-rich foods create an inhospitable environment for bacteria growth. A diet rich in vitamin C is also is important for preventing gum disease and gingivitis—both major causes of halitosis.
View alternative blog for background and diagnosis of bad breath
Posted by: barry leggit | April 11, 2006 2:45 AM | Permalink to Comment