Many patients assume that bad breath is strictly related to the foods they consume. While that is correct, it is only half of the answer. Oral hygiene, the foods you eat, and gastrointestinal health all play important roles in bad breath.

Bad breath is produced not only by your mouth, but by your digestive tract as well. Bacteria in your gut can result in offensive breath. If you are experiencing bad breath, doctors recommend a balanced diet of protein, cards, fruits, veggies and plenty of water.

Here are 5 Foods to Curb Bad Breath:

Parsley

Chewing on parsley, or adding more parsley to your diet, can help to fight bad breath. You can also steep parsley, and other herbs, in your tea.

Yogurt

Studies have found that 1 serving per day of yogurt can curb the level of hydrogen sulfide in the mouth, helping to curb bad breath. Yogurt also helps to cut back on bacteria in the mouth. Yogurt is also a great source of vitamin D.

Crunchy Foods

Crunchy vegetables and fruits can also help fight bad breath as these foods help to increase saliva production and rinse the mouth between water breaks. Carbs, proteins and other crunchy snacks can also help to dislodge any food that may be stuck in between teeth.

Sugar Free Gums

While many patients turn to gum to mask their breath odor, gum also increases saliva production that helps to rinse your teeth in between meals.

Citrus

Citrus fruits, melons, and other vitamin C rish foods can prevent bacteria from growing.