Bad Breath: Common Questions
Halitosis, usually originating from bacteria on the tongue and between the teeth.
Last revised
Bad Breath: the questions people actually ask, answered from published guidance.
Key takeaways
- Origin: the mouth in the great majority of cases
- Common contributors: gum disease, tongue coating, dry mouth, smoking
- Most useful single change: Clean between teeth daily and gently clean the tongue.
- Commonest mistake: Relying on mints and mouthwash instead of cleaning.
- See a doctor if any of the signs under "When to get help" below apply to you.
What is Bad Breath?
Halitosis, usually originating from bacteria on the tongue and between the teeth.
Why does it matter?
The overwhelming majority originates in the mouth, which means mouthwash treats the symptom and cleaning treats the cause.
Common contributors for Bad Breath?
Gum disease, tongue coating, dry mouth, smoking.
Dry mouth for Bad Breath?
A common medication side effect.
What is the single most useful thing to do?
Clean between teeth daily and gently clean the tongue.
What is the most common mistake?
Relying on mints and mouthwash instead of cleaning.
When should I see a doctor?
See a dentist for persistent bad breath, which usually indicates gum disease or decay. See a GP if it persists despite good oral hygiene and dental review, particularly with nasal symptoms, reflux, weight loss, or a persistently dry mouth, which may indicate another condition or medication effect.
Where to go next
- The First Steps With Bad Breath
- Bad Breath: The Questions People Actually Ask
- Bad Breath — the reference entry
- Sensitive Teeth: What the Evidence Actually Says
- The Evidence on Children's Teeth, Without the Hype
When to get help
See a dentist for persistent bad breath, which usually indicates gum disease or decay. See a GP if it persists despite good oral hygiene and dental review, particularly with nasal symptoms, reflux, weight loss, or a persistently dry mouth, which may indicate another condition or medication effect.
Where this comes from
How this page was put together
Every figure, recommendation and warning above is taken from the guidance named in Where this comes from. Nothing on this page is inferred, summarised or generalised beyond what those bodies publish: where they give a number, it is their number, and where they are silent, so are we. Pages are rebuilt whenever the underlying record changes. Sign-off by a named clinician, where it has happened, is shown at the top of the page along with the date.
Medical disclaimer
This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot account for your own history, medication or circumstances. Always speak to a GP, pharmacist or another qualified health professional before making changes that affect your treatment, and never delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read here. In an emergency, call 999.
