When you pucker up for that holiday kiss, make sure your kissee happily closes their eyes in anticipation rather than crosses them because of your horrible halitosis. What to do? Here's a big hint: this holiday season, be aware that certain seasonal delicacies (not the ones you might think!) can be the cause of dragon's breath.
According to experts, about 90 percent of halitosis originates within the mouth itself, and the intensity of bad breath can vary according to the foods you eat. Proper oral hygiene is essential, but Dr. Harold Katz, known as the "Dentist to the Stars" and the author of "The Bad Breath Bible," advises that even the most diligent dental care is not enough to keep you kissable and pleasantly fresh in social settings.
"The fact is that brushing your teeth and using some mouthwash to eliminate breath odors is a great start," Katz said in a statement, "but the effects of that regimen pretty much wear off before you even make it to lunch.
"Of course you should brush your teeth and floss on a daily basis, but that's not enough to keep your breath fresh all day. Food is just one of the many variables that can cause bad breath, but watching what you eat is a good place to start."
Katz said the five worst holiday stealth offenders that can change your breath from sweet to sour include:
5) Candy canes
4) Cranberry sauce
3) Candied yams
2) Mashed potatoes, but only if slathered with butter or sour cream
1) Egg nog, which is the number holiday breath wrecker
"These are foods that combine the two worst elements for your breath—dairy and sugar," Katz said. "Contrary to the myths about bad breath out there, bad breath does not come from your stomach—it comes from the back of your throat and tongue. Dairy foods and sugar promote the creation of bacteria that causes bad breath. So, if you want your mistletoe moments to last longer that the last cup of eggnog in the punch bowl, avoid the nog and pucker up."
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