Why do I develop bad breath whenever I'm stressed?

Whenever I am stressed, I develop bad breath. Unfortunately, it is my wife who tells me about it. What can I do?
Peter Muhanguzi

Dear Peter: Foul-smelling breath or halitosis, is usually caused by poor dental hygiene, broken down products of food left in the mouth, a dry mouth, tobacco use, severe dieting and respiratory or sinus problems.
Stress may lead one into a lifestyle of smoking and heavy alcohol drinking which may lead to halitosis. Also stress may lead to severe loss of appetite and failure to eat leading to breakdown products of fat (ketones) that may lead to bad breath.
Stress is known to cause a dry mouth yet properly flowing saliva is needed to dislodge food particles from the mouth which may lead to breath odour after they are broken down by mouth bacteria. Many stressed people will abandon oral and other self-hygiene leading to body and breath odour.
Stress management, taking lots of fluids and better oral hygiene is better than using alcohol-based mouth washes.