Bad breath: causes and treatment
Quick answer
What causes bad breath, and how do I get rid of it?
Persistent bad breath (halitosis) usually comes from bacteria on the tongue, between the teeth and under the gums.
Gum disease, dry mouth, smoking and trapped food are the common causes. Brush twice daily, clean between your teeth, and gently clean the back of your tongue. If it continues, a hygiene visit at York House Dental Practice in West Byfleet (from £77) can find and remove the source. Mouthwash on its own only masks the smell.
What you need to know
Morning breath and garlic are normal. Breath that friends mention, that returns within an hour of brushing, or that comes with a bad taste suggests something needs treating: tartar under the gums, a decayed tooth, a food trap under an old crown or bridge, or a denture that is not being cleaned overnight.
Dry mouth makes bad breath worse because saliva normally washes bacteria away. Many medications, mouth breathing and dehydration reduce saliva. Drink water through the day and chew sugar-free gum. Smoking both dries the mouth and damages gums.
If the dental causes are ruled out, the source may be the tonsils, sinuses or stomach, and your GP is the next step. Book a hygiene appointment first — it is the most common fix. If your gums also bleed, read why gums bleed.
Last reviewed: by Dr Kaveet Patel, Principal Dentist
