Questions and Answers: Bad Breath
Q. What causes bad breath?
A. Bacteria on the tongue and teeth are usually to blame for bad breath. Sometimes bad breath could signal a serious medical disorder, or it could be something as simple as rotting food stuck between teeth. Tobacco products can cause bad breath, and so can dry mouth.1
Q. How can I freshen up my breath?
A. Follow these tips:
Brush your teeth at least twice a day, paying special attention to the gum line. Remember to brush your tongue gently, too.1
Floss once a day.1
Avoid alcohol and smoking. But do drink plenty of water.1
Avoid garlic and onion.1
When you can’t brush, try rinsing your mouth with water.1
See a dentist for regular cleanings.1
Q. Could bad breath be a sign of something more serious?
A. Yes. It could be an infection in the respiratory tract, chronic sinusitis, diabetes, chronic bronchitis, gastrointestinal disturbance, or a problem with the liver or kidney.1
If your bad breath persists without an obvious cause, such as smoking or certain foods, then visit your doctor.2
1 “Oral Health Topics: Bad Breath (Halitosis).” American Dental Association, March 14, 2005. www.ada.org/public/topics/bad_breath.asp Accessed 2008.
2 “MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Breath Odor.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, April 24, 2008. www.nlm.nih.gov/MEDLINEPLUS/ency/article/003058.htm Accessed 2008.
Date Last Reviewed:
10/3/2008
Date Last Modified:
10/3/2008