Resto et bonne haleine

A business lunch, a romantic lunch or a dinner with girlfriends can be a time to indulge in a few tasty fantasies: caramelized onions, charcuterie, goat's cheese, roasted garlic... An explosion of flavors, satiety and full breath!

To avoid leaving the table with breath that stays with you for three days, put these simple measures into practice.

Hydration first

You should know that bad breath after meals is most often caused by food debris left in the mouth. Drinking water rinses the oral cavity, restoring pH and dislodging stubborn particles.

In addition, studies ^[1]indicate that drinking water significantly reduces bad morning breath. It's therefore fair to assume that adequate hydration during the day will have the same effect.

At restaurants, don't hesitate to ask green tea. ^{[2] [3]} Rich in antioxidants, this elixir has properties that support oral health, particularly in the prevention of cavities and periodontal disease. More specifically, a 2014 study shows that it helps reduce the proliferation of bacteria responsible for bad breath.

Save certain foods for last

If your plate contains lettuce, celery, avocado, parsley or mint, set them aside. Rich in chlorophyll, they neutralize odors and freshen breath when eaten at the end of a meal. A celery or carrot will also stimulate salivation.

Choose probiotics

Research ^[4] indicate that probiotics have the potential to stabilize the oral microbiota. Allow yourself a small yoghurt containing probiotics, or kefir, at the end of your meal. These will help restore the balance of the bacterial flora naturally present in the mouth.

Chew sugar-free gum

Keep a sugar-free gum sweetened with xylitol close at hand. 100% non-cariogenic ^[5]This agent has a naturally refreshing taste. Ideally, chew a piece of chewing gum for 5 to 20 minutes after eating. This is the perfect way to activate salivation, dislodge food debris and combat bad breath.

Keep your breath fresh

In short, when you're eating out and you're worried about your breath, remember that your plate can be your ally. Without unduly restricting yourself, you can also put the odds in your favor: