Bad Breath at a Glance
Bad Breath: the whole thing in five minutes, for when you want the numbers and nothing else.
Halitosis, usually originating from bacteria on the tongue and between the teeth.
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 speak to a doctor" below apply to you.
The numbers, in one place
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Origin | the mouth in the great majority of cases |
| Common contributors | gum disease, tongue coating, dry mouth, smoking |
| Mouthwash | masks rather than treats |
| Dry mouth | a common medication side effect |
In one paragraph
The overwhelming majority originates in the mouth, which means mouthwash treats the symptom and cleaning treats the cause.
Worth doing
- Clean between teeth daily and gently clean the tongue
- Keep hydrated; saliva is the mouth's own cleaning system
- See a dentist to check for gum disease or decay
- Review medicines causing dry mouth with a pharmacist
Worth avoiding
- Relying on mints and mouthwash instead of cleaning
- Alcohol-containing mouthwashes if you have a dry mouth
- Assuming it must come from the stomach
Where to go next
- Popular Beliefs About Bad Breath, and What Is Actually Published
- The First Steps With Bad Breath
- Bad Breath — the reference entry
- Sensitive Teeth: What the Evidence Actually Says
- The Evidence on Children's Teeth, Without the Hype
When to speak to 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 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.
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