How it works: Bad breath can occur when the bacteria on your tongue break down the proteins in mucus and food—especially sugar and dairy
products—which can cause the bacteria to release sulfur compounds. Result: stinky breath. However, bacteria’s sworn enemy
is oxygen, which is found in your own saliva. And drinking water (go with straight water over sugary flavored versions) makes
you produce more saliva, which in turn neutralizes bad breath, says Harold Katz, a dentist in Los Angeles and the founder
of TheraBreath.com.
Good to know: Some medications, including anti-depressants, blood-pressure drugs, and antihistamines, can cause a dry mouth. If you take
them, you may want to increase your water intake beyond the widely recommended eight glasses a day.
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