Bad breath (halitosis) is usually caused by bacteria in the mouth, not by something eaten yesterday. Mouthwash masks it for an hour. Finding the source fixes it.
The usual dental causes
- Plaque and food debris between the teeth, where a brush does not reach.
- Gum disease. Inflamed, bleeding gums are a frequent cause of persistent bad breath.
- Coating on the tongue, which harbours a great deal of bacteria.
- Decay, or an old failing filling that traps food.
- A partly erupted wisdom tooth with a gum flap that collects debris.
- Dry mouth. Saliva cleans the mouth naturally, so anything that reduces it — some medicines, mouth breathing, dehydration — makes breath worse.
- Tobacco, which causes odour directly and worsens gum disease.
Non-dental causes
Sinus and throat infections, acid reflux, uncontrolled diabetes and some other conditions can cause breath changes. If your mouth is healthy and the problem persists, a medical opinion is the next step.
What actually helps
- Clean between the teeth daily. For many people this alone makes the biggest difference.
- Brush the tongue gently, or use a tongue cleaner.
- Treat the gums. If they bleed, that is a cause, not a side issue.
- Drink water through the day, particularly if your mouth feels dry.
- Stop tobacco.
- Have a professional clean to remove tartar you cannot remove at home.
- Use mouthwash as an extra, never as a replacement for cleaning.
When to see a dentist
If bad breath persists despite good daily cleaning, or comes with bleeding gums, a bad taste, a loose tooth or pain. Those point to a treatable dental cause.
Common questions
Why can others smell it when I cannot? You adapt to your own smell. Asking someone you trust, or noticing reactions, is more reliable than trying to judge it yourself.
Do sprays and mints work? They cover the smell briefly. They do nothing about the bacteria producing it.
Can children have bad breath? Yes — commonly from tongue coating, mouth breathing or an untreated cavity.
Read more about gum laser treatment and wisdom tooth extraction, or book a consultation.