Bad breath can be linked not only to poor oral hygiene, but also to a runny nose and sinus inflammation. Pharmacist Rachel Jones discussed this in an interview with the Daily Mirror.

According to the specialist, sinusitis can cause mucus to run down the back of the throat. This causes irritation, triggers coughing and sometimes leads to an unpleasant smell or taste in the mouth.

“Another factor is nasal congestion. When people find it difficult to breathe through their nose, they tend to open their mouth more often. This dries out the lining of the mouth, reduces saliva production and can make bad breath worse. Saliva helps clean the mouth and keep bacterial growth in check, so a lack of it contributes to bad breath,” the specialist explained.

Jones also noted that sinus inflammation sometimes causes pain in the upper molars. The maxillary sinuses are located directly above their roots, so pressure and inflammation in this area can feel like a toothache.

“Other typical symptoms of sinusitis include a headache and a feeling of pressure around the forehead, cheeks and eyes. The discomfort may worsen when bending the head and body forward,” the expert said.

To help relieve symptoms, the pharmacist recommended drinking enough water and maintaining good oral hygiene. If bad breath persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to identify the cause: it may be linked not only to sinus conditions, but also to problems with the teeth and gums.