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Bad breath
Bad breath is very common. Most of the time you can fix it by keeping your mouth clean.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. It does not replace a check by a dentist or doctor. If you are worried, contact a dental professional.
Common causes
- Germs on the teeth, gums and tongue.
- Food stuck between teeth.
- Gum disease or tooth decay.
- Strong food and drink, like garlic, onion or coffee.
- A dry mouth.
- Smoking.
- Some health problems, like acid reflux or throat and nose infections.
What helps
- Brush twice a day for 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean your tongue gently once a day.
- Clean between teeth every day.
- Drink water. Chew sugar-free gum if your mouth feels dry.
- Clean dentures and take them out at night.
- Do not smoke.
Mouthwash can freshen breath for a while. It will not fix the cause.
When to see a dentist
- Bad breath does not go away after a few weeks of good cleaning.
- Your gums are painful, bleeding or swollen.
- You have toothache or a wobbly adult tooth.
- Your dentures do not fit well.
If a dentist finds no problem in your mouth, they may suggest you see a doctor.
Related: Bleeding gums · Cleaning between teeth
Sources
Paraphrased in plain words. Links checked and accessed 21 Oct 2026.
- NHS (UK). “Bad breath”. https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/bad-breath/ (accessed 21 Oct 2026).
- Oral Health Foundation. “Bad breath”. https://www.dentalhealth.org/bad-breath (accessed 21 Oct 2026).