What Are the Most Common Causes of Halitosis (Bad Breath)?

June 12, 2023

No one wants to have bad breath, also called halitosis. However, bad breath is relatively common, with 30% of the population complaining of bad breath [1]. While it’s normal to have bad breath at certain times, chronic bad breath can signal a problem.

So what are the most common causes of halitosis? Here are the top things that can cause bad breath that you should know about!

Poor Oral Hygiene

Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of bad breath because oral bacteria involved in tooth decay and periodontal disease can produce a bad smell. And if you aren’t flossing, food particles can build up between your teeth, which can further contribute to bad breath as the bacteria in your mouth attempt to break down these particles [2].

Dry Mouth

Your mouth has salivary glands that are meant to produce enough saliva to keep your mouth moist. Having enough saliva is essential for oral health because saliva protects teeth from bacteria that can cause tooth enamel damage and provides essential nutrients to keep teeth strong. However, when you have chronic dry mouth, less saliva means less protection against bacteria and a higher risk for halitosis [3].

Gum Disease

Periodontal (gum) disease is one of the leading causes of bad breath [4]. Whether you have the beginning stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, or full-blown periodontal disease, bad breath can result. The bacteria involved in gum disease cause an infection around the gumline that can cause stinky breath that doesn’t go away even with brushing and flossing.

Tobacco Use

People who smoke and chew tobacco are more likely to suffer from bad breath. Since tobacco products contain volatile compounds that interact with your natural oral bacteria, they increase the amount of foul-smelling sulfur compounds in your mouth that can cause bad breath, especially if you already have an oral health condition such as gum disease [5].

Certain Foods and Drinks

Certain foods and drinks can contribute to bad breath. Anything that dries out the oral cavity and leads to dry mouth, such as alcohol and coffee, can cause bad breath. Other pungent foods such as onions, garlic, fish, and even dairy products can cause halitosis when consumed regularly.

Health Conditions

Although less common, certain health conditions such as diabetes, respiratory infections, and sinus infections can cause bad breath. If you have been screened for gum disease, dry mouth, and tooth decay but no underlying cause can be found, you may want to follow up with your primary care physician to ensure there isn’t another cause of your bad breath.

Do You Have Halitosis?

If you experience halitosis that persists even after brushing and flossing, it’s time to see your dentist. Having chronic bad breath isn’t normal, so it’s worth seeing your dentist to discuss the potential causes and see if there could be an underlying condition impacting your oral health and causing less-than-pleasant breath!