What Causes Bad Breath? Causes and What You Can Do

Short answer: In most cases, bad breath (halitosis) is due to causes inside the mouth: buildup on the tongue, gum disease, cavities and inadequate cleaning. Less often, causes outside the mouth may also play a role. If the problem persists after basic care is put in order, an examination by a dentist is a helpful guide.

Causes inside the mouth

• Coating on the tongue: Bacteria and food debris collecting on the back of the tongue can produce foul-smelling gases.
• Gum diseases: Gum inflammation and gum pockets can cause odor. We described the symptoms in our article on gum inflammation.
• Cavities: Food and bacteria collect in deep cavities. For the signs, you can see the article on symptoms of tooth decay.
• Tartar and plaque: Bacteria multiply on surfaces that are not cleaned regularly.
• Ill-fitting fillings, crowns and dentures: They can make cleaning harder and lead to buildup.
• Dry mouth: Saliva is the mouth’s natural cleanser; when it decreases, odor can increase.

Causes outside the mouth and lifestyle factors

• Foods such as garlic, onion and some spices (a temporary effect)
• Smoking and other tobacco products
• Going without food for a long time
• Mouth breathing and snoring
• Certain health problems related to the nose, sinuses, tonsils and stomach
• Certain medications

For the effect of smoking on oral tissues, you can take a look at our article on smoking and dental health.

What can be done in daily life?

1. Brush your teeth twice a day; do not cut the time below two minutes.
2. Clean between the teeth with floss or an interdental brush.
3. Gently clean the surface of the tongue with a soft brush or a tongue cleaner.
4. Drink enough water through the day to prevent dry mouth.
5. Sugar-free gum can support saliva flow.
6. If you use a removable denture, a plate or an appliance, clean it every day.
7. Do not skip regular dental check-ups.

For those with appliances, our articles on cleaning and care of orthodontic appliances and oral hygiene while using clear aligners may be useful.

How do foods and drinks affect odor?

Foods such as garlic and onion are digested and their compounds pass into the blood and are breathed out, so they can be noticed even after brushing; this effect is temporary. Coffee, alcohol and sugary drinks can change the environment in the mouth and increase odor. Drinking enough water and eating regular meals supports saliva flow. Breath odor can also change with very low-calorie diets.

What does the dentist look at in the examination?

In the examination, the surface of the tongue, the gums, the presence of cavities and tartar, the fit of fillings and dentures, and saliva flow are assessed. If necessary, an X-ray is taken. If the source of the odor appears to be outside the mouth, the dentist refers you to the relevant specialist. In this process it helps to share which foods and drinks you consume, your medications and your habits.

Common mistakes with bad breath

• Using only mouthwash or spray without looking into the cause
• Neglecting tongue cleaning
• Never using floss
• Irritating the gums by brushing too hard or too often
• Continuing habits that cause dry mouth

Is morning breath normal?

Because saliva flow decreases during sleep, most people have a temporary odor in the morning. It usually goes away with brushing and breakfast. Odor that lasts throughout the day or continues despite cleaning the teeth calls for an investigation of its cause.

Bad breath in children

In children, odor is mostly related to inadequate brushing, cavities, nasal congestion or mouth breathing. For the link between mouth breathing and jaw development, you can read our article on airway and orthodontics.

Do mouthwash and mints work?

These products can mask the odor for a short time; they do not remove the cause. If gum disease or a cavity lies beneath the odor, the real solution is treating those. If you want to use an antibacterial mouthwash, ask your dentist about the duration and the choice of product.

When should you see the dentist?

• If the bad odor has not gone away for several weeks despite regular care
• If there is gum bleeding, swelling or suspicion of a cavity
• If there is constant dryness in the mouth or a change in taste
• If the odor is accompanied by throat, nose or stomach complaints

The dentist evaluates the causes inside the mouth and, if necessary, refers you to a relevant specialist.

Frequently asked questions

Can I notice my own bad breath?

It can be difficult because a person can get used to their own odor. Smelling the floss after cleaning between the teeth or asking someone you trust can help.

Is brushing the tongue alone enough?

Tongue cleaning is important but not enough on its own; the teeth, the gums and cleaning between the teeth should be done together.

Does bad breath come from the stomach?

In most cases the source is inside the mouth. After causes inside the mouth are ruled out, other health conditions are evaluated with the relevant specialists.

How do you find out what suits you?

The information here is general; the right plan for you is determined through an examination and the dentist’s evaluation. At our clinic in Oran, Çankaya, Ankara, we go through your questions together. For appointments and directions, you can see our contact page.