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How does what I eat affect my breath?

Dentist, WebMD Medical Expert
American Dental Association

Basically, all the food you eat begins to be broken down in your mouth. As foods are digested and absorbed into your bloodstream, they are eventually carried to your lungs and given off in your breath. If you eat foods with strong odors (such as garlic or onions), brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash can cover up the odor temporarily. The odor will not go away completely until the foods have passed through your body.

Listerine
*Use as directed
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Content under this heading is from or created on behalf of the named sponsor. This content is not subject to the WebMD Editorial Policy and is not reviewed by the WebMD Editorial department for accuracy, objectivity or balance.