Bad Breath: What Causes It and How to Fix It

What causes bad breath?

Bacteria in the mouth are the main cause. MedlinePlus explains that when plaque and food are not cleared away, bacteria release sulfur compounds that smell bad.

Those bacteria gather on the tongue, between the teeth and along the gumline. Cleveland Clinic notes that not brushing, flossing and getting cleanings often enough lets them build up.

Other common causes include garlic, onions and coffee, dry mouth, smoking and other tobacco, cavities, gum disease, and dentures or retainers that are not cleaned well.

How can I tell if I have bad breath?

The most reliable way is to ask someone you trust. Cleveland Clinic notes that sniffing your hand does not work well.

A bad taste that does not go away is another clue. Cleveland Clinic says a lasting bad taste in your mouth suggests other people can likely smell your breath.

Smokers may not notice their own breath at all. The American Dental Association explains that smoking affects your sense of smell.

Why does my breath smell bad even though I have good oral hygiene?

If you brush and floss well and still have bad breath, the cause may be somewhere other than your teeth. Cleveland Clinic and the American Dental Association list these possibilities:

• Dry mouth, from medicines, mouth breathing or health conditions, since saliva normally rinses the mouth
• Tonsil stones, which are hardened deposits in the tonsils
• Sinus, nose or throat infections
• Acid reflux (GERD)
• Diabetes, which also raises the risk of gum disease
• Liver or kidney disease
• Less commonly, cancers of the mouth, throat or voice box

How do you get rid of bad breath?

Start with the routine that removes the bacteria. These steps come from Cleveland Clinic and the American Dental Association:

• Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth once a day with floss or another cleaner.
• Clean your tongue, for example with a tongue scraper.
• Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth from drying out.
• Chew sugar-free gum, or eat foods that take a lot of chewing, like carrots and apples, to boost saliva.
• Clean dentures, retainers and other appliances as your dentist directs, and take dentures out at night.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine, and quit smoking or other tobacco.

Does mouthwash fix bad breath?

Mouthwash can help for a while, but it does not fix the cause. The American Dental Association calls over-the-counter mouthwash a temporary fix, and MedlinePlus says mouthwash does not treat the underlying problem.

Cleveland Clinic notes that some rinses only mask odor, while antibacterial rinses target the bacteria themselves. It suggests an alcohol-free antibacterial rinse and asking your dentist which one fits you.

Brushing and flossing still do the main work, since they remove the food and plaque that bacteria feed on.

When is bad breath a sign of something urgent?

Bad breath on its own is rarely urgent. But a foul taste with swelling, pain or pus can be a sign of a tooth or gum infection, and you should call a dentist promptly.

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following:

• Swelling in your face, jaw or neck that makes it hard to breathe or swallow
• Swelling that spreads toward your eye or changes your vision
• A fever of 100.4°F or higher with facial swelling
• Bleeding that will not stop with steady pressure
• If you have diabetes: a fruity smell on your breath, vomiting that keeps you from holding down fluids, or trouble breathing

When should you see a dentist about bad breath?

See a dentist if bad breath lasts even though you brush and floss well. The American Dental Association says regular checkups can catch problems like gum disease and dry mouth early.

At a visit, your dentist can look for gum disease, cavities, and problems with dentures or other dental work. Cleveland Clinic notes a dentist may suggest more frequent cleanings if gum disease is found. Our cleanings and exams page explains what a checkup covers.

If your mouth is healthy, your dentist may suggest you see your primary care doctor to look for other causes. MedlinePlus also advises seeing a provider when bad breath comes with fever, cough or facial pain with nasal drainage.

To talk with our Murrieta team, call (951) 677-1054 or request an appointment.

How can I keep bad breath from coming back?

Treat the cause, then keep the habits that work. If gum disease is part of the picture, our gum disease treatment page explains how it is managed, and our guide to bleeding gums covers early warning signs.

If your mouth often feels dry, our dry mouth guide lists simple ways to keep saliva flowing.

Keep up with regular dental visits so small problems are found early. Many dental benefits renew at the end of the year, and our team is happy to help you use yours before then.

Questions & answers

Common questions