What is bad breath
Bad breath (halitosis) is a condition when the exhaled air has a persistent or regularly recurring odor that other people notice. It is not only about aesthetics and communication, but also a possible sign of problems with teeth, gums, stomach, nasopharynx or metabolism.
Most often the source of the odor is in the mouth: on the tongue, between the teeth, in periodontal pockets and around fillings, crowns, dentures. But diet, habits (smoking, alcohol, coffee), chronic ENT diseases, digestive disorders and general illnesses also play a role.
Main causes of bad breath
To get rid of bad breath for a long time, it is important to understand where it comes from. In simplified form the causes can be divided into five blocks: mouth, ENT organs, stomach and intestines, metabolism and lifestyle (food, drinks, habits).
Table: main causes and what to do
| Source of the problem | How it manifests | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Mouth: tongue coating, caries, tartar, gum inflammation | Thick coating on the tongue, bleeding gums, “holes” in teeth, food stuck between teeth | Regular brushing of teeth and tongue, dental floss and interdental brushes, professional cleaning by a dentist, treatment of caries and periodontitis |
| Dental work in the mouth: fillings, crowns, dentures, braces | Odor from areas under bridges and crowns, around braces, feeling of “stagnation” in the mouth | Check-ups with dentist and orthodontist, correction or replacement of problematic restorations, special brushes and an irrigator |
| ENT organs: tonsils, nose, sinuses | Frequent sore throats, blocked nose, mucus on the back of the throat, “lumps” from tonsils with a strong odor | ENT examination, treatment of chronic tonsillitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, nasopharyngeal hygiene |
| Stomach and intestines | Heartburn, belching, heaviness or pain in the upper abdomen, bitter or sour taste in the mouth | Consultation with a gastroenterologist, examination, dietary changes, treatment of gastritis, reflux and other disorders |
| General metabolism: diabetes, liver, kidneys | Smell of acetone or “ammonia”, thirst, weakness, weight changes, swelling, changes in skin and mucous membranes | Visit a general practitioner or endocrinologist, tests, treatment of the underlying disease |
| Lifestyle: smoking, alcohol, coffee, strong-smelling products | Persistent smell of tobacco, alcohol, garlic, onion, heavy “aftertaste” after coffee and sweets | Reduce smoking and alcohol, moderate coffee and garlic, take care of oral hygiene after meals, drink more water |
| Diets, fasting, keto | Typical acetone-like smell, weakness, headaches, irritability | Discuss your diet with a doctor or dietitian, do not push the body into extreme regimes |
Role of diet and habits in bad breath
For a food blog it is especially important to emphasize: what we eat and drink directly affects breath odor. Garlic, onion, strong coffee, alcohol, smoked foods and excess sugar can intensify the smell both due to aromatic compounds and through changes in the microflora in the mouth and intestines.
There are a few simple rules that help reduce the risk of bad breath without giving up tasty food. First, do not “stretch out” sweets and sticky desserts for the whole day: it is better to eat them as part of a main meal and then brush your teeth or at least rinse your mouth with water. Second, more often include vegetables, greens, whole grains and fermented dairy products in your diet — they gently clean the mouth and support a healthy microbiome.
It is important to drink enough throughout the day: when there is a lack of fluid, salivation decreases and even neutral foods can leave a more pronounced smell. Plain water is the best “fresh breath drink” between meals.
Short plan: how to remove bad breath
If we simplify as much as possible, dealing with bad breath looks like this:
- Set up basic hygiene: brushing teeth twice a day, cleaning the tongue, dental floss or interdental brushes, mouthwash as an addition.
- Visit a dentist: professional cleaning, treatment of caries and gums, checking crowns, dentures and braces.
- Optimize diet and drinking regime: less excess sugar, alcohol and strong coffee, more water, vegetables and simple home-cooked meals.
- If the problem persists — see an ENT doctor and gastroenterologist, and if you suspect diabetes or other metabolic disorders — a general practitioner or endocrinologist.
- Do not self-medicate with “strong” mouthwashes and sprays without a diagnosis: they mask the problem but do not solve it.
Frequently asked questions about bad breath
Why can I have bad breath even if my teeth are healthy?
The problem may not be in the teeth themselves, but in tongue coating, mild gum inflammation, tonsil stones, chronic rhinitis, reflux or dietary habits. That is why with persistent bad breath it is important to look not only at the teeth, but at the whole “environment”: tongue, gums, nasopharynx, stomach and lifestyle.
Can I get rid of bad breath using only mouthwash?
No. Mouthwashes give a temporary effect and freshen breath, but they do not treat caries, gum inflammation, tonsillitis or gastritis. To get rid of bad breath for a long time, you need a combination of hygiene, medical treatment and dietary changes, and mouthwash is only an addition.
How does diet affect bad breath?
Garlic, onion, strong coffee, alcohol, lots of sweets and fast food intensify the odor due to volatile compounds and their impact on microflora. Water, vegetables, greens, fermented foods and moderation in sugar, on the contrary, help maintain fresher breath and healthy digestion.
When is bad breath a reason to see a doctor urgently?
If the odor suddenly becomes much stronger and is accompanied by high fever, severe pain in the throat or chest, shortness of breath, blood in sputum, smell of acetone combined with thirst and weakness, you should urgently see a doctor or call emergency services — these can be signs of a serious illness.
