When you’re preparing for a romantic date, the last thing you want is bad breath or body odour putting a damper on the evening.
Dr. Michael Zaninovich, Principal Prosthodontist at Aria Dental, warns that certain foods can not only make your breath smell unpleasant but can also affect the scent of your skin. Garlic is one of the biggest offenders, but it’s not alone.
How Certain Foods Affect Both Breath and Skin
“Many people know that garlic causes bad breath,” says Dr. Zaninovich, “but what they may not realise is that the sulphur compounds in garlic can actually enter the bloodstream and be released through your skin’s pores hours after eating.” This means garlic can affect both your breath and your overall body odour, making it a double threat on date night.
Other foods can have similar effects on both your breath and your skin. Here’s what Dr. Zaninovich recommends avoiding:
The Top 5 Foods to Avoid for Fresh Breath (and Skin)
Garlic and Onions
Garlic and onions contain sulphur compounds that are absorbed into the bloodstream and exhaled through the lungs and skin, causing a lingering odour even after brushing. “Both garlic and onions are notorious for causing bad breath that mouthwash alone can’t fix,” explains Dr. Zaninovich.
Pro Tip: Opt for garlic-free dishes on date night or neutralise the odour by chewing on fresh parsley, which can help mask both breath and skin odours.
Spicy Foods
Spices can lead to smelly breath due to their strong aromas, but they can also cause your body to sweat, potentially affecting your skin odour. “Chilies, curry, and other spicy dishes may add heat to your meal, but they can leave an unwelcome scent behind,” notes Dr. Zaninovich.
Pro Tip: Stick to milder dishes to avoid spicy after-effects, and drink plenty of water to minimise sweating.
Dairy Products
Dairy can cause bad breath due to the breakdown of amino acids by bacteria in the mouth, which produces sulphur-smelling compounds. Additionally, some people experience increased body odour after consuming dairy if they are lactose intolerant, as this causes digestive issues.
Pro Tip: Try non-dairy alternatives like almond or soy milk to avoid these issues, especially before a date.
Coffee
Coffee may be a go-to pick-me-up, but it can dehydrate the mouth, allowing odour-causing bacteria to thrive. It can also make your breath smell stale and even lead to sweating.
Pro Tip: Pair coffee with water to avoid dry mouth, and consider a quick brush after drinking it to minimise odour.
Alcohol
Alcohol has a drying effect on the mouth, leading to a decrease in saliva production. With less saliva, the bacteria that cause bad breath have more opportunity to grow. Alcohol can also seep through your pores, leading to unpleasant skin odours.
Pro Tip: Sip water alongside alcohol to stay hydrated and reduce both bad breath and body odour.
Maintaining Fresh Breath on a Date
Beyond avoiding certain foods, Dr. Zaninovich advises simple yet effective oral hygiene practices before and after a meal. “Brushing your teeth, flossing, and using an antibacterial mouthwash can prevent bad breath, while chewing sugar-free gum can help keep your mouth feeling fresh between courses.”
With over 20 years of experience in prosthodontics and dental implant surgery, Dr. Zaninovich is passionate about helping his patients maintain not only a healthy smile but also confidence in their appearance. “By avoiding these breath- and skin-affecting foods and maintaining good oral hygiene, you’ll be ready for any close-up moments on your date.”
