The winter is upon us, and that means colds and flu accompanied by stuffy or runny noses. That also means that halitosis is close at hand. It is a well known fact that halitosis and colds and flu go hand in hand. The reason for the halitosis occurring when we have a cold/flu is because of Post Nasal Drip and how our bodies were designed. Before we carry on with the article, allow me to explain what “post nasal drip” really means. Post Nasal drip occurs when the nasal mucosa produces large quantities of mucous. The additional mucous accumulates at the back of the nose and throat area. Post nasal drip is usually caused by allergies and/or acute or chronic sinusitis.

There is a definite connection between halitosis and post nasal drip. The anaerobic bacteria that cause halitosis reside at the back of the tongue and throat area. When colds, flu, allergies or sinusitis occur, the production of mucous starts. This mucous normally starts to drip from the nose (sniffles), but instead it starts to glide down the back of the throat. The bad breath causing bacteria is ultimately then bathed with mucous secretions. This is the perfect example of Post (which means behind) Nasal (which means nose) Drip (which means leaking). Which basically means that the mucous drips at the back of the throat where the anaerobic bacteria that cause bad breath reside. The anaerobic bacteria feeds on the proteins present in the mucous which results in the foul odours emitting from the mouth.

If you still have your tonsils, these bacteria can easily hide in between and in the crevices of your tonsils. Even worse, is the fact that over time the crevices can actually trap post nasal drip. When the mucous accumulates and starts to mix with the anaerobic bacteria in the tonsil crevices, tonsil stones are formed. The interesting fact here is that tonsil stones are actually “globs” of hardened mucous that have formed over time. When these globs mix with the bacteria it creates a horrible fowl smelling mixture.

Your doctor will prescribe or you can purchase antihistamine medicine to treat the sinus irritation and to prevent more mucous from being produced. The negative about antihistamines is that it tends to dry out the mouth. A dry mouth is one of the leading causes of halitosis. It is also important to note that there are some antihistamines that can become habit forming, so try to limit the intake as much as you can.

Which Therabreath products best treat halitosis that is caused by Post Nasal Drip?

Therabreath Confidence pack
FLO Nasal Sinus Irrigator