What does this mean?
Bad breath comes from volatile sulphur compounds released as oral bacteria break down protein debris. These bacteria are most concentrated on the back of the tongue, followed by food trapped between the teeth and periodontal pockets.
Morning breath is normal; saliva drops overnight and bacteria multiply freely. Breath that persists all day and does not clear with brushing is not normal, and almost always has a treatable cause.
The source is most often the bacterial coating on the tongue. Dry mouth, gum disease and untreated decay are the other usual causes.
Likely causes
What helps at home?
- Clean your tongue daily; this is the single most effective habit to add
- Drink more water; dry mouth is the quietest cause of odour
- Clean between the teeth daily; the odour often comes from debris there
- Avoid alcohol-based rinses; they dry the mouth and worsen it long term
- Bleeding gums or a loose tooth alongside the odour
- A non-healing sore or a white patch in the mouth
- Odour that lasts for weeks despite corrected oral care
Frequently asked questions
- Why can't I smell my own breath?
- The sense of smell adapts to a constant odour. The most reliable options are asking someone you trust or having it measured at a consultation.
- Do mints or gum solve it?
- They mask it temporarily. Sugar-free gum helps briefly by increasing saliva, but it does not remove the source.
This content is for general information and does not replace an in-person examination. Symptoms overlap between conditions, and a diagnosis can only be made clinically.