What is halitosis?

Halitosis is the medical name for bad breath. It’s normal to have bad breath when you first wake up in the morning. It usually goes away after you have something to drink and clean your teeth. Bad breath that doesn’t go away can be the sign of another condition.

What symptoms are related to halitosis?

If you have halitosis, you might also have:

• a dry mouth
• sore or swollen gums
• toothache
• a runny nose

What causes halitosis?

Bacteria in your mouth create release an unpleasant smell, leading to halitosis. Having an infection means that there are more bacteria present. Some common causes of halitosis are:

• gum disease
• tooth decay
• mouth infections
• tonsilitis

Dry mouth

Having a dry mouth means that the bacteria in your mouth are washed away less often. This creates a build-up of bacteria in your mouth.

This is why you might have bad breath when you wake up in the morning. Your mouth produces less saliva overnight which allows bacteria to grow and the smell to get worse.

A dry mouth can be caused by medical conditions such as diabetes, certain medicines, as well as being a natural part of aging.

Poor dental hygiene can also cause halitosis as food that is left in your mouth is turned into foul smelling substances by bacteria.

If you wear dentures, bacteria on your dentures can also cause halitosis if you don’t clean them regularly.

Other medical conditions

Although less common, halitosis can sometimes be caused by medical conditions outside of your mouth such as:

• sinus infections
• throat infections
• lung disease
• diabetes

Other factors

Other factors that might give you bad breath include:

• eating strong-flavoured foods like garlic, onion or coffee
• not drinking enough water
• drinking alcohol
• smoking
• snoring

How is the cause of halitosis diagnosed?

Halitosis is most likely due to a problem in your mouth. To see if the cause is coming from somewhere else your doctor, dentist or dental practitioner might compare your mouth breath with nose breath.

Your dentist or dental practitioner will also examine your:

• tongue
• teeth
• gums
• throat

Your dentist, dental practitioner or doctor may ask you about any symptoms you have, such as a dry mouth, pain in your mouth or a runny nose. This will help them to identify the cause of your halitosis so that they can treat it.

When should I see my dentist, dental practitioner or doctor?

See your dentist or dental practitioner if you are experiencing bad breath that doesn’t go away.

Your dentist or dental practitioner will check your mouth for common causes of halitosis, such as infections and gum disease.

They will also be able to advise you about oral hygiene. If you use dentures your dentist or dental practitioner can tell you how to care for them properly.

If your dentist or dental practitioner thinks that your halitosis is caused by a medical condition not in your mouth, they may recommend that you speak to your doctor.

How is halitosis treated?

The treatment of halitosis depends on what is causing it.

If bacteria in your mouth are the cause, your dentist or dental practitioner will examine your mouth for pockets of trapped food or infections. They may recommend:

• professional cleaning of your teeth and gums
• dental treatments
• treating any dental infections

If your halitosis is caused by a medical condition not in your mouth, your doctor may recommend other treatments depending on the cause.

Self-care at home

Brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush and a toothpaste containing fluoride can stop the build-up of food and bacteria. You should also floss twice a day.

Cleaning your tongue with a tongue scraper or the tongue cleaner on the back of your toothbrush does not treat halitosis. It may give you relief from your symptoms for around 30 minutes.

Medicines for halitosis

Mouthwashes containing peppermint, zinc or chlorhexidine (an antiseptic) can also be useful in keeping your mouth free from bacteria and reducing halitosis.

Speak to your pharmacist about choosing a mouthwash.

Other treatment options

If you have a dry mouth, drinking more water or using a saliva substitute can be helpful.

Some medicines can cause you to have a dry mouth — speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned.

Mints can help with bad breath for a short while, but if they contain sugar, they can increase the risk of tooth decay.

You can try using a toothpaste that contains bicarbonate of soda.

If you are smoker try to quit or cut down.

Can halitosis be prevented?

You can’t always avoid halitosis, but maintaining good oral hygiene can help to prevent it. Make sure that you:

• clean your teeth thoroughly twice a day
• floss twice a day
• drink plenty of water
• have regular dental check-ups

If you wear dentures, you should make sure that they fit well, you clean them regularly, and take them out before you go to sleep.

Ask your dentist or dental practitioner for advice about good oral hygiene.

Complications of halitosis

Halitosis can affect the way you feel about your personal appearance or make you feel worried that other people may find your breath unpleasant. This can sometimes lead to anxiety when you’re around other people, or an exaggerated focus on your breath.

If you feel that halitosis is having an impact on your mental health or social wellbeing, speak to your doctor about your symptoms and feelings. They may recommend seeing a psychologist for help.

Resources and support

Get more advice on mouth care from this page.

Find out more about looking after your teeth from the Teeth.org.au website.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline for advice on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.