Bad breath is a common condition that can happen after eating foods like broccoli, garlic, or onions, or from going many hours without eating. It can also be linked to bacteria buildup on the tongue, cavities, or gum problems such as gingivitis or periodontitis.
Bad breath may also come with other symptoms, like dry mouth, increased thirst, general discomfort, fatigue, or anxiety. In some cases, these signs can point to underlying health issues such as diabetes, kidney failure, or psychiatric conditions.
It’s important to see a primary care doctor or dentist if bad breath is frequent or comes with other symptoms. A professional evaluation helps identify the cause and determine the best treatment.
What causes bad breath?
The main causes of bad breath include:
1. Buildup on the tongue
Most cases of bad breath are caused by bacteria accumulating on the tongue, which may give it a whitish, yellowish, brown, or gray coating. Over 70% of people with bad breath notice improvement when they clean their tongue properly.
What to do: Each time you brush your teeth, use a tongue scraper (sold in pharmacies) to clean the tongue by moving it from back to front. If you don’t have a scraper, brushing the tongue with a toothbrush in the same motion can also help.
2. Cavities
Cavities are another common cause of bad breath because bacteria multiply inside the mouth and release foul odors.
What to do: Visit a dentist to identify and treat cavities. Brush your teeth, gums, inner cheeks, and tongue thoroughly to prevent new cavities or plaque buildup.
3. Gum disease or periodontal disease
Gum and periodontal conditions, such as gingivitis, periodontitis, pericoronitis, or periodontal abscesses, can lead to bad breath because they cause gum inflammation and infection.
These problems usually develop from plaque or tartar buildup between the teeth and gums, which can damage the tissue that supports the teeth.
What to do: See a dentist for diagnosis and treatment. Tartar must be completely removed, and good oral hygiene should be maintained with a soft or electric toothbrush and daily flossing. In cases of periodontitis, antibiotics or even surgery may be needed.
Check-out home remedies for gingivitis that you can use to complement your medical treatment.
4. Going many hours without eating
Spending more than 5 hours without food can cause bad breath, which explains why morning breath is so common. Reduced saliva production makes the mouth less clean, and ketone bodies may be produced as an energy source, leading to stronger odor.
What to do: Avoid going more than 3 to 4 hours without eating during the day. Drink small sips of water to stimulate saliva production. Chewing a clove spice may also help in these situations.
5. Wearing dentures
People who wear dentures are more likely to develop bad breath because food particles and bacteria can get trapped, especially if the fit is not ideal.
What to do: Brush your teeth, mouth, and dentures carefully every night. Dentures should be soaked overnight in cleaning solutions recommended by a dentist, then rinsed before being placed back in the mouth.
6. Eating certain foods
Some foods, like broccoli, kale, and cauliflower, can trigger bad breath because they increase sulfur production in the body, which can be released through the breath. Garlic and onions also cause odor since their strong compounds linger in the mouth for hours after chewing.
What to do: Limit frequent consumption of these foods, and always brush your teeth and clean your mouth thoroughly afterward.
Also recommended: Foods That Cause Gas: Complete Food List (& What to Eat Instead) tuasaude.com/en/foods-that-cause-flatulence7. Throat infections or sinusitis
Throat infections with pus or sinusitis can cause bad breath because bacteria build up in the throat and nasal cavity, producing unpleasant odors.
What to do: Gargling with warm salt water can help clear pus from the throat. Inhaling warm water vapor with eucalyptus may loosen nasal secretions and ease sinus symptoms. An ENT doctor may prescribe antibiotics if needed.
8. Stomach problems
Digestive issues such as indigestion or gastritis can cause burping, and these gases traveling up the esophagus and out of the mouth may produce bad breath.
What to do: Improve digestion by eating smaller, varied meals and including fruit at the end of meals to help reduce bad breath linked to stomach problems.
Also recommended: What to Take For Indigestion (Teas, Juices & Medication) tuasaude.com/en/what-to-take-for-indigestion9. Uncontrolled diabetes
Uncontrolled diabetes can cause bad breath with a fruity odor, similar to rotten apples, due to diabetic ketoacidosis. Other symptoms may include intense thirst, dry mouth, fatigue, weakness, or confusion.
What to do: Follow diabetes treatment as prescribed by an endocrinologist to prevent ketoacidosis. If symptoms occur, seek hospital care immediately.
10. Xerostomia (dry mouth)
Xerostomia, or dry mouth, happens when saliva production decreases or stops, leading to dryness and bad breath. Other signs may include thick saliva or difficulty chewing. Causes can include smoking, stress, anxiety, anemia, lupus, or multiple sclerosis.
What to do: Drink plenty of water throughout the day and avoid smoking. A doctor may recommend artificial saliva or treatment for the underlying condition.
11. Liver problems
Liver conditions, such as liver failure, may cause bad breath with a sweet odor because the liver cannot properly metabolize and eliminate toxins. Other symptoms may include abdominal swelling, yellow skin and eyes, or general discomfort.
What to do: Consult a hepatologist for diagnosis and treatment. Depending on the stage, treatment may involve medications or a liver transplant.
12. Kidney failure
Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys can no longer filter blood effectively. Toxins like creatinine and urea build up in the body and may be released through the breath, giving it a urine-like odor.
What to do: Treatment should be guided by a nephrologist and may include antihypertensive or diuretic medications. In severe cases, dialysis or a kidney transplant may be required.
13. Olfactory reference syndrome
Olfactory reference syndrome is a psychiatric condition where a person constantly believes they have bad breath, even when others don’t notice it. They may also think other areas of the body, like the armpits or feet, smell bad.
What to do: A doctor should first rule out other medical causes. If diagnosed, treatment may include cognitive behavioral therapy or antidepressant medication prescribed by a psychiatrist.