Halitosis (bad breath) is a condition that typically originates in the mouth. It is most often caused by the combination of bacteria, food particles and dead cells that can accumulate in the mouth. Poor dental hygiene and a lack of saliva, which helps to wash away germs, often contribute to the problem.

The primary sign of halitosis is a detectable unpleasant odor when a person exhales or speaks. Additional signs may also occur, depending on the cause of the halitosis. For example, swollen gums or tartar on the teeth may indicate tooth decay or gum disease. A stuffy nose, sore throat and coughing may indicate halitosis as a result of a respiratory tract infection. Certain smells can indicate specific disorders. For instance, a “fruity” smell may indicate uncontrolled diabetes and an ammonia-like smell may indicate kidney disease. Halitosis can also be a temporary condition caused by eating certain foods or beverages (e.g., garlic, coffee).

Halitosis can be diagnosed by smell. Additionally, a dentist or physician may collect a patient’s medical history to help identify potential causes of the odor. For some types of oral causes (e.g., some cases of gum disease), a periodontist may be recommended. If non-oral causes are suspected, a patient may be referred for additional testing.

There are a wide variety of over-the-counter products (e.g., mints, sprays, scented toothpastes) designed to treat halitosis. However, these only provide temporary relief by masking the mouth odor. Successful treatment of halitosis depends on identifying and treating its cause. In most cases, this involves getting appropriate dental treatment.

Halitosis can be prevented in a number of ways, including proper dental hygiene (brushing, flossing), eliminating foods or beverages that trigger bad breath and drinking plenty of water. These methods can also help reduce and eliminate symptoms in existing cases of halitosis.