Most persistent bad breath originates in the mouth, from bacteria on the back of the tongue, gum disease, decay, or a dry mouth. Mouthwash masks it rather than treating it. Cleaning between the teeth, brushing the tongue, staying hydrated and treating any gum disease address the actual cause.
Where it usually comes from
The smell is produced by bacteria breaking down proteins and releasing sulphur compounds. The great majority of the time that is happening in the mouth rather than the stomach, which is the common misconception.
- Bacteria coating the back of the tongue - the single most common source
- Gum disease, where bacteria sit in pockets around the teeth
- Decay, or food trapping around a broken tooth or leaking filling
- Dry mouth - saliva is the mouth's natural cleaning system
- Dentures that are not cleaned thoroughly
- Smoking
- Some foods, which are temporary and not the same problem
What actually helps
Mouthwash masks the smell for an hour or so. Treating the cause is what changes it.
- Clean between your teeth daily - this is the step most people skip and it matters most
- Brush or scrape the back of your tongue
- Stay hydrated; dry mouth makes it markedly worse
- Have gum disease treated if it is present
- Clean dentures properly and take them out overnight
- Stop smoking
- Regular check-ups and cleaning
Dry mouth
A dry mouth is a common and often unrecognised cause. It can be a side effect of many medications, and it is also why breath is worse in the morning - saliva production drops overnight. If your mouth is persistently dry, mention it, because there are things that help and dryness also raises decay risk.
When it is not coming from your mouth
If your mouth is healthy and the problem persists, the cause may lie elsewhere - sinus or tonsil issues, reflux, or occasionally a metabolic condition. In that case a GP is the right next step, and we will say so rather than keep treating the mouth.
See a dentist if
- Bad breath persists despite good daily cleaning
- Your gums bleed when you brush
- You have a persistent bad taste as well as bad breath
- You have a tooth you know is broken or decayed
- You wear dentures and the problem started with them
- Your mouth is persistently dry
We're in central Queenstown and keep room for emergencies. Call 03 441 8248.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Reviewed by Dr Adrian Paul, BDS (Otago), principal dentist at Lakeside Dental Practice. If you're worried about a specific problem, see a dentist.
