Why does drinking milk cause bad breath?
Disease description:
I don’t usually have bad breath, but I develop it immediately after drinking milk. Why does drinking milk cause bad breath?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lei
Bad breath after drinking milk occurs because milk contains certain enzymes that dry out the throat, creating an environment where bacteria can proliferate. These bacteria break down milk proteins, producing sulfur compounds—which in turn cause bad breath. Individuals who experience bad breath immediately after drinking milk are advised to rinse their mouth promptly afterward to prevent excessive bacterial growth and reduce the risk of halitosis.
