3. Dry Mouth Could Be to Blame
Certain medications can cause dry mouth (xerostomia is the technical term), which can lead to bad breath. Dry mouth occurs when you’re not making enough saliva to combat the acids caused by plaque, and it also allows the dead cells that naturally collect on your tongue, cheeks, and gums to build up. When this buildup doesn’t get washed away by your saliva, all those cells start to decompose, causing your breath to reek.
If you think dry mouth is causing your bad breath, talk to your doctor so you can rule out any of your medications as the culprit. If you discover your meds aren’t to blame, know that dry mouth can also be caused by salivary gland issues and mouth-breathing. Also, while this isn’t a long-term solution to chronic dry mouth, know that sugar-free gums and mints can help boost your saliva production.