Bad Breath
(Halitosis)

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• Bad Breath (Halitosis) Overview
• Bad Breath Causes
• Bad Breath Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Bad Breath Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Next Steps
• Follow-Up
• Prevention
• Outlook
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Author and Editor

Bad Breath (Halitosis) Overview

Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be an embarrassing problem. It can be caused by the foods you eat, dry mouth, tobacco products, or a medical disorder. Maintaining proper oral health can help reduce or eliminate bad breath.

Bad Breath Causes

Bad breath (halitosis) can be caused by a variety of things including diet, medication, poor oral hygiene, and diseases or conditions such as diabetes, GERD, lactose intolerance, gum disease, and more. Treatment for bad breath depends on the cause.

There are many things that can cause bad breath, including the following:

Diet

• When a person does not brush or floss their teeth thoroughly, food particles may remain in the mouth. These particles may rot and cause foul odors. In addition, food particles over time can promote the growth of bacteria, which can also cause foul odors. The bacteria can also lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
  
  
• Foods with strong odors also affect the air a person exhales. Foods commonly known to contribute to bad breath include onions and garlic, exotic spices (such as curry), some cheeses, fish, and acidic beverages such as coffee. Foods are absorbed into the bloodstream and then transferred to the lungs, causing noticeable odors when exhaled. These foods may also cause gastrointestinal upset and belching, which can contribute to bad breath. In addition, certain supplements such as fish oil capsules can contribute to bad breath.
  
  
• Low carbohydrate diets may also cause what is known as 'ketone breath.' So-called 'low carb' diets cause the body to burn fat as its energy source. The end-product of making this energy are ketones, which cause a fruity acetone-like odor on the breath when exhaled.

Dry Mouth

• Bad breath can also be caused by decreased flow of saliva, which is a vital part of the digestive process and removes odor-causing particles in the mouth. Also called xerostomia, dry mouth may be caused by medications, breathing through the mouth, or salivary gland problems.

Tobacco Products

• In addition to causing bad breath, smoking or chewing tobacco-based products can stain teeth, irritate gum tissue, and exacerbate tooth decay.

Medical Disorders

Certain medical disorders may cause bad breath, for example:

• gum or periodontal infection,
  
  
• throat infection (pharyngitis or tonsillitis),
  
  
• local infection in the respiratory tract,
  
  
• chronic sinusitis and/or post-nasal drip,
  
  
• chronic bronchitis,
  
  
• diabetes,
  
  
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD),
  
  
• liver or kidney disease,
  
  
• Sjogren's syndrome (causes xerostomia), and
  
  
• lactose intolerance.

Dentures or Dental Appliances

• Dentures or dental appliances, such as braces, can contribute to bad breath. Most often it is due to food particles that are not properly cleansed from the appliances. Loose-fitting dentures can contribute to sores and localized infections in the mouth, which can cause bad breath.

Morning Breath

• Overnight, bacteria accumulate in the mouth, causing bad breath that is commonly referred to as 'morning breath.' Some people breathe through their mouth at night, which can cause dry mouth and worsen morning breath.