What is halitosis?

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

​What symptoms are related to halitosis?

If you have halitosis, you might also have:

• a dry mouth
• sore or swollen gums
• a white coating on the top of your tongue
• a bad taste in your mouth
• a toothache
• a runny nose, or other symptoms of a sinus infection

The symptoms related to halitosis will depend on what is causing it.

​What causes halitosis?

Halitosis is caused by bacteria in your mouth, which release an unpleasant smell.

Gum disease

Gum disease occurs when plaque builds up along your gum line. The plaque lets bacteria grow, which can lead to gum disease and bad breath.

​​​​​​​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.

Your mouth produces less saliva overnight which allows bacteria to grow. This is why you might have halitosis when you wake up in the morning.

A dry mouth can also be due to:

• a medical condition, such as diabetes
• certain medicines
• a natural part of ageing

Other medical conditions

Halitosis can be caused by medical conditions, such as:

• tonsillitis
• a throat infection
• a sinus infection
• tooth decay
• diabetes
• gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
• metabolic disease

Other factors

Other lifestyle factors that might give you bad breath include:

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

Poor dental hygiene can cause halitosis. Food left in your mouth is broken down by bacteria, which creates an unpleasant smell.

If you wear dentures, bacteria on your dentures can cause halitosis if you don't clean them regularly. Ask your dentist or dental practitioner how to properly care for your dentures.

​When should I see my dentist or doctor?

See your dentist if:

• you are experiencing bad breath that doesn't go away
• there are any changes in your mouth that you are worried about

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

It's important to have regular dental check-ups even if you don't have any symptoms of halitosis.

​How is the cause of halitosis diagnosed?

Halitosis is most likely due to a problem in your mouth. Your dentist will check your mouth for common causes of halitosis, such as infection and gum disease. Your dentist will also examine your:

• tongue
• teeth
• gums
• throat

To see if the cause of halitosis is coming from somewhere else, your dentist might:

• compare your mouth breathing with nose breathing
• ask about any symptoms you have, such as a dry mouth or runny nose

​How is halitosis treated?

The treatment of halitosis will depend on what is causing it.

If bacteria in your mouth are the cause, your dentist may recommend:

• professional cleaning of your teeth and gums
• a dental treatment
• antibiotics, to treat a dental infection

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 help stop the build-up of bacteria. You should also floss twice a day.

Cleaning your tongue with a tongue scraper or tongue cleaner does not treat halitosis, but it can help to remove bacteria from your mouth.

​​​​​​​Medicines for halitosis

Mouthwash can also be useful in preventing the build-up of bacteria and reducing halitosis. It's best to choose a mouthwash containing:

• peppermint
• zinc
• chlorhexidine (an antiseptic)

Speak to your dentist or pharmacist about choosing a mouthwash that is right for you.

​​​​​​​Other treatment options

Here are some tips that can help you improve your symptoms of halitosis:

• If you have a dry mouth, drink more water or use a saliva substitute.
• Chewing sugar-free gum can make you produce saliva and help reduce bad breath.
• Some medicines can make your dry mouth — speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you think your medicine is causing dry mouth.
• Mints can help with bad breath in the short-term. It's important to remember that mints can increase your risk of tooth decay if they contain sugar.

What are the 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.

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.

​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 twice a day
• floss twice a day
• drink plenty of water
• have regular dental check-ups
• limit or stop smoking or vaping
• maintain a healthy, balanced diet

If you wear dentures, you should make sure that:

• they fit well
• you clean them regularly
• you take them out before you go to sleep

Ask your dentist for more advice about good oral hygiene.

​​​​​​​Resources and support

Read more about the causes, symptoms and treatment of bad breath on the Diabetes Australia page.

Find out more about dental care from the Teeth.org.au website, including:

• different types of gum disease
• brushing your teeth
• tooth erosion

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.