Smarter: Does Drinking Water Help Bad Breath?
Nobody likes having bad breath, so this week I’m looking to see whether drinking water can help get rid of that sour smell. Also in this issue: the best sharpeners for chef’s knives, according to our testing, and our response to a reader’s question about whether there are long-term side effects from taking Tylenol every day.
THE BIG STORY:
‘Every Breath You Take’Growing up, my mother would not so subtly offer people a cup of water whenever she smelled something unsavory in their breath. For her, drinking water was a cure-all for many physical issues, and bad breath was at the top of her concerns.
Not to be the daughter who is all about proving her mother wrong, but I’m going to be that daughter anyway and ask: Was my mother right on this? Is drinking water a solution to bad breath?
Let’s first talk about what produces bad breath, also known as halitosis. If you have poor brushing and flossing habits, bacteria and food debris are likely to collect on your teeth and tongue, which leads to bad breath, says Dena Fischer, DDS, director of the Center for Clinical Research at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research in Bethesda, Md.
Halitosis can also be caused by a dry mouth. When you’re not producing enough saliva, bacteria can build up in your mouth and produce foul-smelling substances because food debris isn’t being washed away.
And there are medical conditions that may cause bad breath, such as a sinus condition, gastric reflux, diabetes, and liver or kidney disease, Dena says.
ASK AN EXPERT
Question from reader Jim Will:
Is there a long-term effect from taking Tylenol every day?
Answer:
Acetaminophen, commonly known by the brand name Tylenol, is a very safe medication to use regularly as long as you don’t take too much of it, Heather says. For most healthy adults, the recommended dosage shouldn’t exceed 4 grams daily. And adults who weigh less than 150 pounds should consider staying closer to 3 grams per day as the maximum dose.
However, it’s fairly easy for people to unknowingly take too much acetaminophen because it is an extremely common ingredient in many cold and flu remedies, like DayQuil and NyQuil. So to be safe, people who are taking acetaminophen regularly should check the ingredients on other products they are using to make sure they don’t include more of it.
Bonus link: Which is better for headaches, acetaminophen or ibuprofen?
TIP OF THE WEEK
Illustration: Chris Gash Illustration: Chris Gash
Home insurance is getting more expensive these days. Premiums are averaging $1,428 a year and are expected to rise faster than inflation. So here are our tips on how to save money.
🚗 Bundle your coverage.
Buying your homeowners and car coverage from the same company can cut 30 percent off your premiums.
💵 Keep your deductible high.
While a low deductible could save money if you have a claim, the odds are you won’t file a claim anytime soon. Raising it from $500 to $1,000 could trim 25 percent from your insurance bill.
🏠 Mention home improvements.
Replacing your roof with an impact-resistant one, for example, might earn you a discount of up to 35 percent. Other improvements, like installing a water-leak detector or security system, can save you money, too.
And if you’re shopping for coverage, check out our ratings of the best home insurance companies (available to CR members).
MUST-READS OF THE WEEK
😬 5 Dangerous Ingredients That Are in Our Food but Shouldn’t Be
Why you should be concerned about Red Dye No. 3 and brominated vegetable oil, which is used in sports drinks and sodas.
🦟 How to Find a Mosquito Trap That Actually Works
My biggest takeaway? Stay away from bug zappers.
🔪 Best Sharpeners for Chef’s Knives (Available to CR members)
The real magic isn’t always in the knife so much as in the sharpening.
THE GOOD STUFF
These are 5 things you don’t need to store in the fridge, including bread. Yes, bread.
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