If you suffer from post nasal drip and funky breath, it is normal for you to wonder if there is a connection between the two. While post nasal drip isn't known to cause bad breath, the two do have a connection. In fact, here is everything you need to know about the connection and what you can do to prevent and/or cure bad breath.

It's Not the Drip, but the Infection 

According to Mayo Clinic, the post nasal drip isn't actually the cause of bad breath. It is usually due to an infection or underlying disease that leads to post nasal drip. The mucus from the drip is usually odorless.

The problem is due to the bacteria within the drip. This is often due to the flu, a cold, or other underlying disease causing the drip. Bacteria collecting within the mouth is the reason people have bad breath in the first place.

Fighting Against the Causes

The best thing you can do is fight against the reason for the post nasal drip. This may be due to a common cold, but could also be due to sinusitis or similar problem. There are over-the-counter medications available to help prevent mucus buildup and deal with the sinus issues.

Another problem is dry mouth. The mouth can't produce the saliva needed to get rid of the mucus and bacteria buildup from the post nasal drip. You can help by drinking more water or using boiled candies to encourage the mouth to produce more saliva. Be aware that the other option can lead to more sugar in the mouth, so you will need to watch out for possible tooth decay. There are sugarless options available if you need sweets over water due to daily routines/work.

Watch Out for Making Bad Breath Worse

There are certain foods and drinks that will make your bad breath worse, as they thicken the mucus from your post nasal drip. Dairy products are the worst for this, so you'll want to cut down your consumption of them while you are suffering from the problem.

Following a good oral hygiene routine will help to limit the amount you make the problem worse. You can help to remove the bacteria from your mouth, and reduce the plaque buildup that offers space for more bacteria to grow.

While post nasal drip doesn't necessarily cause bad breath, it contributes to it. You can protect your mouth from the bacteria that can hide in the mucus, protecting your breath and the health of your teeth and gums. Follow the tips above to help prevent bad breath due to post nasal drips.