6 Surprising Things That Can Cause Bad Breath (and One Cure)
You're on high alert against seafood, garlic, coffee and gum disease. But are you aware of these stealth offenders?
By Corrie Pikul
Your Stuffy Nose
Pass the tissues—and some gum, please. When a cold prevents you from breathing through your nose, you're forced to inhale and exhale through your mouth. This dries out the tissues and reduces the flow of saliva—the mouth’s built-in cleanser, which not only rinses away food particles but also neutralizes decay-causing acids and acts as a natural antiseptic to keep bacteria in check. The less saliva, the more bacteria—and the more potent the odor. An easy remedy (for your breath, if not your cold): Chewing gum—as long as it's sugarless—has been shown to increase the flow of saliva.
Published 01/17/2014