Mouth Enemies in a Glass: The Unassuming Drinks That Jeopardize Your Breath

Everyone knows that certain foods like garlic and onions can make your mouth smell bad, but certain drinks are especially bad when it comes to your breath. Have you ever interacted with friends or colleagues and seen them severely lean? Unfortunately, your breath may be to blame—and it may be time to rethink your beverage choices.

Managing bad breath, also called halitosis, includes staying hydrated—but not all fluids are created equal. Some beverages feed bacteria that produce volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) that intensify bad breath.

What causes bad breath?

Coffee
Millions of people may love it, but most of us aren't so crazy about one unfortunate side effect: coffee breath. Coffee is high in offensive sulfur, which contributes to bad breath.

alcohol
In an April 2018 study published in the journal Microbiome, researchers examined the bacterial profile of sputum samples from more than 1,000 healthy volunteers between the ages of 55 and 84.

Carbonated drinks
The acid that gives soda and other bubbly drinks their fizz is another major player in the development of bad breath. Dr. Meinecke advises that acid dries out your mouth, allowing bacteria and food particles to linger, ultimately causing bad breath.

What to drink to fight bad breath
Good old water is your best option. Making it a habit to drink a glass of water after every meal can help control bad breath. "This can help wash away food particles that can contribute to bad breath," Saas explained.