Bad breath is embarrassing enough. Not realizing you have it is worse. The cupped-hand breath check and a trusty pack of mints aren’t exactly foolproof—and the last thing you want is your breath to sabotage an important meeting or a first date.
Here’s the annoying part: You might have your oral hygiene routine fully dialed in and still deal with some funk. “You can have beautiful teeth, brush religiously, and still have breath that isn’t doing you any favors,” says Arthur Glosman, DDS, a restorative and cosmetic dentist in Beverly Hills, California. So what gives?
Ahead, experts explain what causes bad breath, how to get it under control, and when it’s time to call in a pro.
What causes bad breath?
About 80 to 90 percent of bad breath (aka halitosis) originates in the mouth. The most common culprit? Excess bacteria. “Bacteria naturally exist throughout the oral cavity, but when they accumulate on the tongue, between teeth, or beneath the gumline, they produce volatile sulfur compounds responsible for odor,” says Graig Fischgrund, DMD, a periodontist at Apa Aesthetic in New York City. The back of the tongue—which many people don’t clean thoroughly—is prime real estate for buildup. According to Glosman, this area “is practically a five-star resort for odor-producing bacteria: warm, moist, and an endless buffet.” How appetizing.
Saliva—your mouth’s built-in cleaning crew—also helps determine how fresh or funky your breath smells. As Fischgrund explains, it helps regulate bacteria, neutralize acids, and wash away food debris. When saliva production drops, odor-causing bacteria can thrive. Mouth breathing, dehydration, smoking, and certain medications can all contribute to dry mouth. It’s also why morning breath is pretty universal (and perfectly normal): “Saliva production drops while we sleep, giving bacteria more opportunity to misbehave,” says Dr. Glosman.
Your diet can also leave its mark, though it’s usually temporary. Familiar offenders include coffee, alcohol, garlic, and onions. But if odor sticks around, it could point to a bigger problem, like gum disease or an untreated dental infection, says Fischgrund. Tonsil stones, sinus problems, and acid reflux can also contribute, Glosman adds, though these are less common.
How to fix bad breath
First, nail down the basics: Brush your teeth twice daily, floss at night, and stay hydrated throughout the day. Replace your toothbrush or brush head every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles begin to fray. And you don’t need fancy flossing gadgets to get the job done: traditional string floss can clear away the plaque and debris your toothbrush misses.
