Resto and good breath

A business lunch, a romantic lunch or a dinner with friends can be a time to indulge in a few tasty fantasies: caramelized onions, cold cuts, goat cheese, roasted garlic… A burst of flavours, satiety and full breath!

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

Hydration first

You should know that bad breath that occurs after meals is mostly caused by food debris left in your mouth. Drinking water will rinse the oral cavity, restore its pH and dislodge stubborn particles.

In addition, studies ^[1]indicate that taking water significantly reduces bad morning breath. Therefore, it is fair to assume that adequate hydration during the day will have the same effect.

When dining out, don’t hesitate to ask for green tea. ^{[2] [3]} Rich in antioxidants, this elixir has properties that support oral health, especially in the prevention of cavities and periodontal disease. Specifically, a 2014 study shows that it helps reduce the overgrowth of bacteria responsible for bad breath.

Save some 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.

Prefer probiotics

Research ^[4] indicates that probiotics have the potential to stabilize the oral microbiota. So, allow yourself a small yogurt 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 on hand. One hundred percent non-cariogenic ^[5], this agent has a naturally refreshing taste. Ideally, chew a piece of gum for 5 to 20 minutes after eating. This is perfect for activating salivation, dislodging food debris and fighting bad breath.

Keep your breath fresh

In short, when you’re eating out and your breath is a concern, tell yourself that your plate can be your ally. Without unduly restricting yourself, you can also put the odds in your favor: