Bad breath: common, and treatable

Bad breath is one of the most embarrassing problems, and many people don't know they have it because we get used to our own breath. The good news is that most causes start in the mouth itself, and they can be treated once the cause is found. This guide was written under the supervision of Dr. Banan Alhawamdeh, periodontics and gum surgery specialist.

Where does the smell come from?

In most cases it comes from bacteria feeding on food debris and dead cells in the mouth, releasing strong-smelling sulphur compounds. These bacteria gather in particular places:

  • The back of the tongue: one of the most common sources.
  • Inflamed gums and gum pockets: in periodontitis, deep pockets form that are hard to clean.
  • Between the teeth when you don't floss.
  • Deep decay, and fillings or crowns that don't fit well.
  • Removable dentures that aren't cleaned well.

Other causes

  • Dry mouth: saliva cleans the mouth naturally, so breath is worse in the morning, when fasting, when you drink too little water, and with some medications.
  • Smoking and foods such as garlic and onion.
  • Inflammation around a wisdom tooth. See wisdom teeth.
  • Causes outside the mouth: such as sinus or tonsil infections, acid reflux, and some health conditions like poorly controlled diabetes. These are less common, and a doctor identifies them if no cause is found in the mouth.

How to tell if you have bad breath

  • Ask someone close whom you trust.
  • Wipe the back of your tongue with a clean spoon, wait a moment, then smell it.
  • Notice a persistent bad taste or bleeding gums; they often go together.

Treatment

  1. Examining the teeth and gums to find the source: gum inflammation, decay or gum pockets.
  2. Professional cleaning to remove tartar and plaque. See teeth cleaning and scaling.
  3. Gum treatment: deep cleaning when pockets are present, which treats one of the main causes of persistent bad breath.
  4. Treating decay and correcting fillings or crowns that trap food.
  5. Referral to a doctor if the mouth is healthy and the smell persists.

Daily tips

  • Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth daily.
  • Clean your tongue gently with your toothbrush or a tongue scraper.
  • Drink water regularly, especially when fasting or on medications that dry the mouth.
  • Clean removable dentures daily, and take them out at night if your dentist advises.
  • Stop smoking.

Frequently asked questions

Does mouthwash cure bad breath?

It only masks it for a while. If the cause is gum inflammation or tartar, treatment at the clinic is the solution.

Is bad breath a sign of a stomach problem?

Rarely. Most cases come from the mouth, so diagnosis starts with examining the teeth and gums.

Why is my breath worse in the morning?

Saliva flow drops during sleep, so bacteria become more active. Morning breath is normal and goes away with brushing and breakfast.

Are bleeding gums linked to bad breath?

Often, yes. Gum inflammation is one of the main causes. See bleeding gums.

Book a check-up to find the cause

At Dr. Banan Alhawamdeh's clinic in Sweifieh we pinpoint the source of bad breath and treat the cause instead of masking it. See gum treatment or book an appointment.

Note: this article is for general education and doesn't replace a clinical examination. The right treatment is chosen after assessing your case at the clinic. Read our medical editorial policy.