Overview
Bad breath, medically known as halitosis, is breath with an unpleasant odour. It may come and go or be long lasting, depending on the cause. Millions of bacteria live in the mouth, especially on the back of the tongue, and in the mouth’s warm, moist environment they thrive and produce the odour-causing compounds behind most cases of bad breath.
Causes
The great majority of bad breath starts inside the mouth.
- Bacteria on the tongue and between the teeth
- Poor oral hygiene and plaque buildup
- Gum disease or untreated cavities
- Dry mouth from reduced saliva
- Strong-smelling foods, smoking and tobacco
- Throat, sinus or other underlying infections
Occasionally it reflects a systemic condition such as diabetes or liver disease.
Symptoms
Besides the odour itself, people often notice a bad taste in the mouth, a dry mouth or a white coating on the tongue. The smell frequently returns not long after brushing when the underlying cause is not addressed.
Prevention
Good daily habits control most bad breath. Brush your teeth and tongue twice a day, clean between the teeth with floss or an interdental brush, and drink plenty of water. Limiting coffee, alcohol and tobacco and chewing sugar-free gum to keep the mouth moist also help.
Treatment
Treatment is aimed at the underlying cause. A dentist can treat gum disease or decay and professionally clean the teeth. Where a medical condition is responsible, addressing that problem usually resolves the odour.