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Bad Breath
Summary
There are many reasons why you might have bad breath. You can get it if you don’t brush and floss regularly. Bacteria that build up in your mouth and between your teeth produce the bad odor. Other problems in your mouth, such as gum disease, dry mouth, or cavities, may also cause it. Sinusitis or problems with your nose may be to blame. You can also have bad breath if you eat some foods, like raw onions, garlic, or cabbage. And of course smoking causes its own bad smell. Some diseases and medicines can cause a specific breath odor.
Having good dental habits, like brushing and flossing regularly, help fight bad breath. Mouthwashes, mints or chewing gum may make your breath fresher. If you have a disease that causes the bad breath, treating the disease may help give you fresher breath.
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
Specifics
- Acute Sinusitis Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Periodontitis Merck & Co., Inc.
Children
- Bad Breath Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health
- Bad Breath Nemours Foundation
Patient Handouts
- Breath odor Medical Encyclopedia
- Dental care – adult Medical Encyclopedia
Clinical Trials
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Halitosis National Institutes of Health
Start Here
- Halitosis American Academy of Family Physicians
- Smelling Sickness: Body Odor May Be Sign of Disease National Institutes of Health
Find an Expert
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
Prevention and Risk Factors
- Oral Hygiene Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Journal Articles
Teenagers
- What Causes Bad Breath? Nemours Foundation