December 20, 2017
Five Holiday Foods That Cause Bad Breath
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
Families gathered around lavish tables overflowing with turkey, ham, pies and other delectable delights are a holiday tradition.
But make the wrong food choices and all those visiting nieces and nephews will cringe when you give them a hug. That's because many of everyone's favorite holiday culinary pleasures are -- to put it not-so delicately -- breeding grounds for bad breath.
"Food is just one of the many things that can cause bad breath, but watching what you eat is at least a good start for combating it," says Dr. Harold Katz, a dentist and bacteriologist. "A lot of people think that if they brush and use mouthwash in the morning they are set for the day. Certainly, that's something you should do, but the effects pretty much wear off by lunchtime."
Plenty of holiday dishes can lead to bad breath, but Katz says these five staples are especially guilty:
Candied yams. Chances are you planned to top these with marshmallows. Katz says that's a no-no. The marshmallows contain gelatin that has protein, which can contribute to bad breath.
So what should you eat if you want to keep your breath fresh? Katz suggests sticking with fruits and vegetables.
Those may not be what your holiday appetite is craving, but at least none of the relatives will run from your hugs.
Dr. Harold Katz, developer of TheraBreath Dry Mouth Oral Rinse, received his degree in bacteriology from UCLA and is the founder of The California Breath Clinics and author of "The Bad Breath Bible." He has been featured on ABC's "Good Morning America," CBS's "Early Show" and "The View" with Barbara Walters and countless other TV shows. Dr. Katz has developed oxygenating compounds that have been used by millions around the world to eliminate bad breath. He is also the bearer of the now famous "Halimeter," which tests the sulfur compounds in the mouth that cause bad breath. Dr. Katz' website offers a free online bad breath test -- as well as a sneaky way to tell someone they have halitosis.
For more information, visit www.therabreath.com