Bad breath

Bad breath is very common. In fact, around one in four people have it regularly.

It can be unpleasant, but the good news is that it’s often easy to treat.

What causes bad breath?

Bad breath can happen for lots of reasons.

Persistent bad breath is usually caused by smelly gases released by bacteria that coat your teeth, gums and tongue.

Bits of food that get stuck between your teeth or on your tongue can also rot and cause a bad smell.

Other common causes include:

• Not brushing your teeth properly.
• Gum disease or tooth decay.
• Strong foods like garlic, onions or coffee.
• Dry mouth – when your mouth doesn’t make enough saliva.
• Smoking.
• Some medical problems, like acid reflux or infections in your throat or nose.

Keeping your mouth clean is one of the best ways to stop bad breath.

How do I know if I have bad breath?

It can be hard to tell if you have bad breath.

Sometimes, people notice a strange taste in their mouth – this can be a sign.

 There’s a quick test you can try:

• Lick the inside of your wrist. Please wait a few seconds, then smell it.
• If it smells bad, your breath probably does too.

 You can also ask someone you trust to tell you honestly.

How can I stop bad breath?

You can usually get rid of bad breath by keeping your mouth clean.

Here’s what to do:

• Brush your teeth for two minutes, last thing at night and one other time during the day with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper.
• Clean between your teeth every day with interdental brushes or floss.
• Use a mouthwash (ask your dental team for a recommendation).
• Chew sugar-free gum to stop your mouth from getting dry.
• Cut down on sugary food and drinks.
• Drink water regularly to keep your mouth moist.
• Visit your dental team as often as they recommend.

Can illness cause bad breath?

Yes. Bad breath can also be caused by:

• Dry mouth.
• Sinus problems.
• Throat or chest infections.
• Diabetes.
• Liver or kidney problems.

If your dentist can’t find a problem with your mouth, they might ask you to see your doctor.

Can mouthwash help?

Mouthwash can help freshen your breath, but it won’t fix the problem if something else is causing it.

If you find that you're using mouthwash all the time, consider discussing this with your dental team.

For more advice or help, speak to your dental team. They can help find what’s causing bad breath and give you tips to stop it.

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