Bad Breath – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can cause embarrassment and anxiety for many people.
While stores offer countless products like gum, mints, and mouthwashes to combat unpleasant breath, these solutions often provide only temporary relief because they don’t address the underlying causes.
Several factors can contribute to bad breath, including:
- Certain foods you eat
- Specific health conditions
- Personal habits
- Poor oral hygiene
The good news is that in many cases, improving your oral hygiene routine by keeping your mouth and teeth clean can significantly reduce bad breath problems.
Regular brushing, flossing, and tongue cleaning can make a big difference.
If self-care measures don’t improve your breath, it’s important to consult with your dentist or healthcare provider. Persistent bad breath might signal a more serious health condition that requires professional treatment.
Signs of Bad Breath
Bad breath can smell different based on what causes it. Some people worry too much about their breath when they don’t have a problem.
Others have bad breath but aren’t aware of it. It’s hard to judge your own breath, so ask someone you trust if you have bad breath.
When You Should Visit a Doctor
If you notice bad breath, first check your oral hygiene routine. Try these simple changes:
- Brush your teeth and tongue after meals
- Use dental floss daily
- Drink more water throughout the day
If these changes don’t improve your breath, make an appointment with your dentist. They can examine your mouth and teeth for problems.
If your dentist thinks your bad breath might be caused by a more serious health issue, they may refer you to another healthcare provider to find the real cause.
What Causes Bad Breath
Bad breath often begins in the mouth. Several factors can lead to this common problem:
Food Choices
The breakdown of food particles around teeth increases bacteria and creates unpleasant odors. Certain foods like garlic, onions, and spices are particularly problematic. After digestion, these foods enter your bloodstream, travel to your lungs, and affect your breath.
Tobacco Use
Smoking and tobacco products cause unpleasant mouth odors. People who use tobacco also face higher risks of gum disease, which further contributes to bad breath.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Not brushing and flossing daily leaves food particles in your mouth that cause odors. A sticky film of bacteria called plaque forms on teeth and can irritate gums if not removed.
This can develop into gingivitis (early gum disease) or periodontitis (advanced gum disease with bone loss). Your tongue can also trap odor-causing bacteria. Braces, dentures, and other oral appliances collect bacteria and food particles if not cleaned properly.
Dry Mouth
Saliva helps clean your mouth by washing away particles that cause odors. The condition called dry mouth (xerostomia) reduces saliva production and contributes to bad breath.
This naturally happens during sleep, causing “morning breath,” especially if you sleep with your mouth open. Certain health conditions can also cause ongoing dry mouth.
Medications
Some medicines cause dry mouth, while others break down in the body and release chemicals that affect breath odor.
Mouth Infections
Several conditions can cause bad breath:
- Surgical wounds after tooth removal
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Mouth sores
Other Mouth, Nose and Throat Issues
- Tonsil stones (small formations in the tonsils covered with bacteria)
- Sinus infections
- Throat inflammation
- Postnasal drip (when fluid from your nose flows down your throat)
Medical Conditions
Certain diseases, including some cancers, can create distinctive breath odors. Metabolic disorders that affect how the body processes food can also impact breath.
Persistent heartburn, a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sometimes leads to bad breath. In young children, foreign objects stuck in the nose, like food pieces, can cause bad breath.
Risk Factors
Many factors can increase your chance of having bad breath. What you eat plays a big role. Foods like garlic, onions, and spicy dishes leave strong odors in your mouth. These smells can last for hours after eating.
Poor oral hygiene is another main cause. When you don’t brush and floss regularly, food particles stay in your mouth. Bacteria break down these particles, creating unpleasant smells.
Lifestyle habits that increase risk:
- Smoking or using tobacco products
- Drinking alcohol frequently
- Skipping regular dental check-ups
Medical conditions linked to bad breath:
- Dry mouth (xerostomia)
- Gum disease
- Sinus infections
- Tonsil stones
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Certain cancers
Dry mouth happens when you don’t make enough saliva. This condition can be caused by medications, mouth breathing, or certain health problems. Without enough saliva to wash away food particles and bacteria, bad breath often develops.
Some medications cause bad breath as a side effect. They might change the composition of your saliva or cause dry mouth. Blood pressure medications, antihistamines, and antidepressants are common examples.
Dental problems like cavities or improperly fitted dental appliances can trap food particles. These trapped particles lead to bacterial growth and bad smells.
Your risk also increases with age. Older adults often take more medications that can cause dry mouth. They may also have more dental work that can trap food.
Certain diseases affect breath odor in specific ways. Diabetes can create a fruity smell, while kidney disease might cause a fishy or ammonia-like odor. Liver problems can lead to a musty breath smell.
