Bad Breath (Halitosis): Causes and How It Happens.
Bad breath, or halitosis, is an unpleasant odor that comes from the mouth or nose when we exhale. It usually happens because of bacteria in the mouth that break down proteins and release smelly gases.This issue is very common — it affects between 25% and 50% of the population.
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| Bad Breath (Halitosis): Causes and How It Happens. |
What Is Bad Breath?
Bad breath is the name for air that smells unpleasant when it leaves your mouth or nose. The odor is often compared to rotten eggs, spoiled cabbage or fish, or even fermented fruit.
Sometimes, bad breath is temporary (like after eating garlic), but it can also be a long-term problem linked to health issues.
➜ Whats causing your bad breath?
Where Does Bad Breath Come From?
In 85–90% of cases, bad breath starts in the mouth. The mouth naturally contains bacteria that feed on proteins from food, saliva, and cells. When these bacteria break down proteins, they release volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) — gases that smell unpleasant in high amounts.
About 60% of mouth bacteria live on the surface of the tongue, especially in small folds called papillae. The tongue alone is responsible for around 41% of bad breath cases that begin in the mouth.
➜ Bad breath halitosis causes symptoms solutions.
Most Common Causes of Bad Breath
Oral hygiene issues are the top cause of bad breath. When you don’t brush and floss properly, a sticky film called plaque builds up on your teeth and gums. Bacteria thrive in this environment and release smelly compounds.
Other common oral causes include:
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Cavities
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Tooth abscesses
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Gum infections like gingivitis
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Canker sores (mouth ulcers)
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Poor dental work or worn fillings
Other Causes of Bad Breath
Bad breath can also be caused by:
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Certain foods (garlic, onions, too much protein)
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Alcohol
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Fasting
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Smoking
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Dry mouth (caused by mouth breathing, medications, or dehydration)
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ENT infections (like sinusitis or tonsillitis)
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Lung conditions (like bronchitis)
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Digestive problems (acid reflux, ulcers, liver disease)
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Diabetes
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Chronic kidney disease
How to Tell If You Have Bad Breath
It can be hard to know if you have bad breath yourself. Here’s a simple test:
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Lick the inside of your wrist with the back of your tongue.
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Wait a few seconds for the saliva to dry.
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Smell your wrist — if there’s a bad odor, your breath likely smells too.
You can also observe others’ reactions. If people move away, seem uncomfortable, or mention it, you might have bad breath.
➜ 5 easy tips to get rid of bad breath.
Important: Some people think they have bad breath when they don’t. If this belief becomes obsessive and affects your mental health, it may be a psychological condition called halitophobia.
