Which Foods Can Contribute to Bad Breath?

May 31, 2025

Bad breath, or halitosis, affects everyone from time to time. While regular oral hygiene can certainly help reduce bad breath, the foods we consume play a significant role in contributing to unpleasant mouth odors.

So, which foods are most likely to lead to bad breath? Here are the top culprits and what you can do to help reduce halitosis and keep your breath fresh.

Sulfur-Producing Foods

Certain foods, particularly those high in sulfur compounds, can contribute to bad breath. When bacteria in the mouth break down these compounds, the result is often a foul odor.

Common sulfur-rich foods include:

Garlic and onions. Although these add delicious flavor to meals, they are infamous for causing bad breath. Both contain sulfur compounds that are absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to odor that escapes through the lungs and pores even hours after consumption [1].

Cruciferous vegetables. Broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are very healthy for you, but they can also lead to bad breath due to their sulfur content.

Dairy Products

Dairy lovers beware—milk, cheese, and yogurt can be double-edged swords when it comes to your mouth. While they are rich in calcium, they can also produce bad breath. The natural sugars and amino acids found in dairy are broken down by bacteria in the mouth, resulting in a sour, unpleasant smell [2].

Coffee and Alcohol

Beverages such as coffee, wine, and other alcoholic drinks can contribute significantly to bad breath [3]. These drinks have a drying effect on the mouth, reducing saliva production.

Saliva is crucial because it helps wash away food particles and bacteria. Without sufficient saliva, bacteria can thrive, leading to halitosis.

Sugary and Starchy Foods

Foods high in sugar and starch, like sweets and white bread, can also encourage the growth of bacteria. Sugar serves as a food source for bacteria, which in turn produce acid that contributes to bad breath. Similarly, starchy foods often break down into sugar in the mouth, providing yet more food for bacteria.

Anything Saucy

Foods that leave behind a sauce or residue, such as pasta with a rich tomato or cream sauce, can linger on the tongue and teeth. This residue feeds bacteria and can cause bad breath over time. To minimize the impact, try rinsing your mouth with water after consuming such foods.

Preventing Bad Breath: Practical Tips

While avoiding these foods might seem like the obvious solution, it’s not always practical or possible. Instead, try the following tips to manage bad breath effectively:

Practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to remove any food particles and reduce bacteria.
Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water helps maintain saliva production and rinses away debris and bacteria.
Chew sugar-free gum. This stimulates saliva production, helps neutralize acids, and freshens your breath [4].
Use a tongue scraper. This can remove residual food particles and bacteria from the tongue, which are often major culprits of bad breath.

Bad breath can be both an embarrassing and avoidable issue with the right dietary and hygiene practices. If you’re constantly battling bad breath despite trying these solutions, it may be time to seek professional advice.

Ask Your Dentist About Halitosis

If you’re concerned about bad breath, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist for an evaluation. Chronic bad breath can be a sign of an oral health or medical issue, so it’s important not to ignore this symptom if it persists even after eating these offending foods or brushing your teeth!