Bad Breath (Halitosis): 6 Real Causes
Bad breath has specific causes. Here's how to identify yours and fix it.
Dr. Fatima Hassan
General Dentist & Endodontist
Causes
- Poor hygiene (most common): bacteria on tongue and between teeth
- Gum disease: bacterial odour from pockets
- Dry mouth: reduced saliva
- Dental issues: cavities, infected teeth
- Diet: garlic, onion, coffee, alcohol
- Systemic: sinus infection, acid reflux, diabetes (fruity), liver disease
Fixes by cause
- Tongue scraping daily
- Interdental cleaning
- Fluoride rinse
- Treat gum disease
- Stay hydrated
- Address medical issues
What doesn't help long-term
- Menthol mouthwashes (short masking)
- Gum (temporary)
- Mints (sometimes worsens)
When to see a dentist
- Persistent despite good hygiene
- New onset without obvious cause
- With other symptoms
References
- American Dental Association
Referenced sources
- American Dental Association
Medical disclaimer. This article is informational and does not replace professional clinical advice. For a plan specific to your situation, book a consultation with a Paradise Dental specialist.
Related reading
General & Restorative24 Jul 20252 min
Why Do You Wake Up With Bad Breath?
Reduced saliva overnight + bacterial growth. Normal and fixable.
General & Restorative14 Mar 20263 min
When Do You Really Need a Root Canal?
Not every toothache is a root canal. Here's how dentists actually decide, and what the alternatives look like.
General & Restorative26 Feb 20263 min
Root Canal vs Extraction: Which Is Really Better?
Save the tooth or take it out? The honest comparison between root canals and extracting + replacing.