It is true that one should keep one's mouth clean to keep bad breath at bay. Most cases of halitosis are caused by a buildup of bacteria or germs in the mouth or throat, and bacteria always have a foul odor. When you neglect your oral hygiene you allow these things to fester inside your mouth. However, some oral products may worsen your bad breath in a few ways. One is by making the inside of your mouth very dry. Products that contain peroxide or baking soda are notorious for doing this. When your mouth is dry, all that bacteria and germs stick to your teeth, gums and tongue. When they stick, they stay. So even after you brush and rinse you are making those elements linger in your mouth. This is just one way that oral products may worsen your bad breath.

Another way that oral products may worsen your bad breath is if they contain alcohol, for the same reason as mentioned above. Alcohol may very well kill germs and is often advertised in many oral products as a way to do that, but once the germs are killed the mouth is very dry and sticky. Mouthwashes are especially notorious for this, and what is unfortunate is that many people use mouthwash after they brush and rinse, so the alcohol lingers in the mouth. These alcohol rich oral products may worsen your bad breath if you fail to rinse your mouth out with plain water after using them, and unfortunately very few people actually do that.

An additional way that oral products may worsen your bad breath is if they are very harsh on your teeth, gums, tongue and skin inside your mouth. One way that bacteria and germs linger in your mouth is if you have tooth decay, gum disease, or cavities. Products that are very harsh can wear away at the enamel of your teeth and cause all these problems. It's best to use products that are much gentler and that don't contain alcohol. Don't hesitate to ask your dentist for a recommendation.