Struggling with bad breath? Know its causes, what it says about your health, and fix it fast with these effective tips

Time of India

24-06-2025

Struggling with bad breath? Know its causes, what it says about your health, and fix it fast with these effective tips
Bad breath is something that almost everyone experiences at one point. Sometimes it's just "morning breath" or a side effect of a garlicky meal. Other times, it lingers, embarrassing you in a meeting or making you anxious to stand too close to someone when you talk to them.
It's simple to brush it off or mask it with mints and chewing gum. But once bad breath becomes a chronic problem, it can begin to erode your confidence, your relationships, and even your sense of self.
In fact, bad breath - medically referred to as halitosis - is more than just a small annoyance. This happens to an estimated almost half of all adults, according to the American Dental Association. Although it's commonly attributed to oral cleanliness, it may also be a warning of more internal health issues, such as gum disease, or dry mouth, or sinusitis, or even systemic diseases like diabetes or kidney disease.
What makes bad breath especially difficult is how personal it feels. It can be awkward to bring up, even with a dentist or doctor. But the truth is, bad breath is common, treatable, and often preventable. In most cases, making a few small changes to your daily routine and understanding the possible causes is all it takes to start feeling fresher and more confident. And in the more severe instances, catching it early may be a useful warning signal that keeps your long-term health safe.
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In this article, you can read about what causes bad breath, how to correct it, and when it may be time to consult a health expert.
What causes bad breath?
There are numerous potential causes of bad breath, and not all are related to food or brushing. The following are some of the most common:
1. Poor oral hygiene
Food bits get stuck between your gums and teeth. When not thoroughly cleaned out, they decompose and form odorous compounds. Your mouth's bacteria consume these bits and emit sulfur gases, which cause the bad odour.
The Mayo Clinic says not flossing or brushing can also cause plaque and gum disease, both of which cause bad breath.
2. Dry mouth
Saliva cleans the mouth and wipes away particles that produce odour. Without enough saliva produced by your body, bad breath is the result. Dry mouth can result from medication, stress, not enough fluids, or even sleeping with your mouth open.
Chronic dry mouth—xerostomia—is possibly in need of medical attention depending on the reason, as per the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
3. Food and drink
Some foods, such as onions, garlic, and spices, not only smell pungent when you eat them, but they also cause your body to emit sulfur compounds that can enter your bloodstream and lungs and be exhaled when you breathe out.
Alcohol and coffee are also frequent culprits. They can dry out your mouth and disrupt the natural balance of bacteria within your mouth.
4. Smoking and tobacco use
Tobacco products not only lead to their kind of bad breath, but they also harm gum tissue and decrease your sense of taste.
Smokers are also more likely to get gum disease, which is another reason for halitosis, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
5. Medical conditions
Other times, the mouth is not the culprit at all. Chronic sinus infections, postnasal drip, and respiratory tract infections can all cause bad-smelling breath. Acid reflux (GERD) is another disorder in which stomach acids wash back up into the oesophagus, creating a sour-smelling odour that comes out through the mouth.
The Cleveland Clinic also mentions that diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease can have characteristic odours. For instance, a sweet, fruity odour may indicate uncontrolled diabetes.
How to know if you have bad breath
Most people with chronic bad breath do not know it. This is because we tend to get accustomed to our own smell. Here are some tips to check:
Ask a trusted friend or family member for an honest opinion.
Lick the inside of your wrist, allow it to dry, and then sniff it.
Sniff a tongue scraper after you use it.
Dentists also use a specialised instrument known as a halimeter, which detects levels of sulfur compounds in the breath.
How to know if you have bad breath
Tips on how to cure and avoid bad breath
Now that you know what caused it, correcting bad breath is relatively easier. Below are some of the best tips:
1. Enhance your oral hygiene practice
Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day. Don't neglect your tongue; many odour-causing bacteria reside on its surface. A tongue scraper may assist in reducing bacterial accumulation.
Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles become worn.
2. Drink plenty of water
Staying hydrated helps maintain normal saliva production. Avoid sugary or acidic drinks that dry up the mouth.
Chewing sugar-free gum can also trigger saliva to help cleanse away bacteria and food bits.
3. Be careful what you eat
Cutting back on garlic and onion in your diet won't totally cure bad breath, but it can make a difference. If you do consume them, brushing or rinsing afterwards will help prevent lingering smells.
A 2020 study published in the Journal of Food Science revealed that consumption of raw apples, lettuce, or mint following garlic can neutralise sulfur compounds.
4. Regular visits to the dentist
If you've done all the above and still experience bad breath, your dentist may detect something you are not aware of, such as gum disease or an infected tooth. Regular dental cleanings reduce plaque and freshen breath as well.
The American Academy of Periodontology highlights that gum disease (gingivitis) in its early stage is reversible if detected early.
5. Treat underlying medical conditions
If your dentist eliminates oral causes, talk to your doctor. You might require treatment for sinus infections, acid reflux, or diabetes. Controlling these conditions can greatly enhance your breath.
When to see a doctor?
There's a normal amount of occasional bad breath. But if you experience a persistent bad smell that just won't quit after brushing and flossing, it's time to get to the bottom of it.
Warning signs to watch for:
Chronic dry mouth
Metallic taste in the mouth
Bad breath accompanied by a white coating on your tongue
Swallowing problems or heartburn
Gum inflammation or bleeding
These may be symptoms of an underlying health problem that requires attention.
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