Bad breath can be a socially awkward issue, often exacerbated by consuming certain foods. However, some foods, particularly fruits, can help combat bad breath. Apples are useful for stimulating saliva and removing food residue from teeth. Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are particularly effective due to their high vitamin C content, which inhibits bacterial growth in the mouth.
Lemons have two main advantages over oranges in combating bad breath. First, they are more readily available, often served as a wedge in drinks or with meals, whereas oranges are less common in this context. Second, lemons don’t leave a strong odor on the hands like oranges do, which can replace bad breath with smelly hands.
Incorporating lemons into your diet can help with breath issues, but caution is advised. Lemon garnishes in restaurants may harbor microbes, and the acid in lemons can damage tooth enamel. Healthier options include homemade lemonade, adding lemon juice to water, ordering limoncello, or cooking with lemons in dishes like fish, chicken, pasta, and salads.