This week we’re at the peak of the holiday season, especially the holiday party season. With all the food, fun, and drinks, it’s easy to lose track of your oral care, but if you want to remain kissable by midnight, there are a few simple tricks you can try.

Be Aware of Sulphurous Foods

Sulphur is a major culprit in bad breath. Sulphur is one of the most common elements in smelly gases, and it’s also one that many bacteria utilize in place of oxygen to process their foods, so they contribute bad breath as the night goes on.

One way to cut down on bad breath is avoiding or limiting foods high in sulphur. The highest sulphur content is found in seafood, especially crab, lobster, and scallops.

Some nuts also have high sulphur content, especially roasted, salted peanuts. Brazil nuts and almonds also have high levels of sulphur. By the time we get down to walnuts, the sulphur level is only a fourth of what is found in peanuts, and a fifth the level found in lobster or crab.

Some meats are relatively high in sulphur, such as veal. Chicken has more sulphur than beef, and livers have more sulphur than the meat, so think twice about the pâté.

Cheese can contain sulphur, too, especially cheddar.

Vegetable tray with celery, broccoli, carrots on a wooden tableVisit the Veggie Tray

One way to get sulphurous foods and sweet foods that can feed bacteria off your teeth is by eating crunchy vegetables. Options like carrots and celery do a great job of cleaning your teeth. It’s true that some vegetables have higher levels of sulphur than others, but even when they do, such as broccoli, it’s much less than even walnuts.

You should also consider sprigs of mint or parsley as more than just a garnish–they can be chewed to help freshen your breath.

Drink Smart

Dehydration can be a big contributor to bad breath. If you’re dehydrated, you’ll have less saliva, which leads to more bacteria. Drinking alcohol can lead to dehydration, so it’s important to keep yourself under control. Drink water between alcoholic drinks. This will hydrate you, rinse your teeth, and won’t feed oral bacteria.

Persistent Bad Breath

Hopefully, following the above tips, combined with proper oral hygiene before and after a party, should keep your breath fresh. However, if it doesn’t you may have a more serious problem. Persistent bad breath may be related to gum disease or even an infected tooth that may need a root canal.

If you think your breath might be the reason why no one wants to kiss you under the mistletoe or at the stroke of midnight, we can help. Please call (02) 9686 7375 for an appointment with a Baulkham Hills dentist at My Hills Dentist.