Before you order though, there are some foods on the menu that can turn off the romance.
When Matt Medina started dating Aida Alvarez, he wasn't worried about what he ate on a date. But that changed.
"When Aida started telling me that, you know, she was noticing that whatever I ate affected my breath, then I did," Medina said.
It affected him so much, he asked bad breath expert Dr. Harold Katz for tips on keeping his breath fresh.
"The number one tip we tell everyone is drink more water," Katz said. "You need to keep your mouth very moist. Saliva is nature's way of keeping your breath fresh."
Beyond that, Dr. Katz runs down some of the foods that encourage bad breath, starting with the top offender.
"Worst foods are obviously onions and garlic. They already contain sulfur compounds. That's the odorous chemical that everyone associates with bad breath."
Katz also suggests skipping sweets; bad breath bacteria love sugar. Also, go easy on dairy products; the proteins in milk and cheese can create odors.
The acidity of coffee can also stir up problems. Plus, you should avoid alcohol because it dries the mouth.
"I know it's kind of tough, but if you're going to sip some coffee or drink some wine on a date, sip a little water afterwards," Katz suggests, "to, at least, dilute the chemical effects of those when they contact the bacteria."
Tea is not acidic, and a better menu choice. So are fruits and vegetables that contain water.
"Celery is very good. Apples, oranges, berries, for example, have a lot of liquid in them. They're all very good for your breath."
Dr. Katz says most mints and gums won't get rid of bad breath. He says the best way to control mouth odors after eating is to be selective about what you eat and drink, and be aware that some foods can affect your breath for up to 3 days after you eat them.
