Bad breath, also called halitosis, is often caused by bacteria in the mouth, especially on the tongue and between the teeth. It can also come from gum disease, dry mouth, certain foods, tobacco use, or sometimes a health condition elsewhere in the body.
At a glance
- What it is
- Persistent unpleasant breath, usually from bacteria in the mouth
- Numbing
- Not needed for the check-up; depends on any underlying treatment
- Time or visits
- A check-up visit, with further treatment if a cause is found in the mouth
- Aftercare
- Depends on the cause found, plus daily cleaning habits
- Cost
- Depends on what is causing it and what treatment is needed. Your dentist tells you before starting.
What causes bad breath
Most bad breath starts in the mouth. Bacteria that build up on the tongue, between the teeth and along the gum line break down food particles and produce a bad smell. Gum disease is a common cause, since infected gums release odour as well. A dry mouth lets odour-causing bacteria build up more easily, and this can happen with certain medicines, breathing through the mouth, or simply not drinking enough water. Strong foods such as garlic and onion, and tobacco or paan and gutka, also cause temporary or ongoing bad breath. Less often, bad breath comes from a health condition such as a sinus or throat infection or a digestive problem, and these are best checked by a doctor.
Signs to notice
- Breath that stays unpleasant even after brushing
- A bad or metallic taste in the mouth
- A coating on the tongue
- Bleeding or swollen gums alongside the bad breath
- A dry mouth or feeling thirsty often
What happens step by step
- Examination. The dentist checks your teeth, gums and tongue for signs of decay, gum disease or a dry mouth.
- Finding the cause. Most causes are found in the mouth. If nothing dental explains it, you may be advised to see a doctor for a wider check.
- Cleaning. A professional clean removes plaque and tartar that can be contributing. See our Scaling and Polishing page.
- Treating any gum disease or decay found. If gum disease or a cavity is contributing, this is treated, since untreated gum disease keeps causing odour.
- Advice for home. The dentist advises on brushing, cleaning between the teeth, cleaning the tongue, and staying hydrated.
Looking after your breath at home
- Brush twice a day, including gently brushing or scraping the tongue.
- Clean between your teeth every day with floss or interdental brushes.
- Drink enough water through the day, especially if your mouth often feels dry.
- Cut back on tobacco and paan or gutka, which cause bad breath as well as other harm to your mouth.
- Keep up with regular check-ups and cleaning appointments.
Risks and other options
Mouthwash and mints can mask bad breath for a short time, but they do not treat an underlying cause such as gum disease or a dry mouth. If bad breath continues after dental causes are treated, the dentist may suggest seeing your doctor, since it can occasionally point to a condition outside the mouth. See our Gum Treatment page if gum disease is suspected.
When to get urgent help
See your dentist soon if bad breath comes with bleeding gums, loose teeth, or a mouth ulcer that has not healed within three weeks. Go to the nearest hospital straight away (or call 112) if you have swelling of the face or neck, swelling that makes it hard to breathe or swallow, or a fever together with mouth pain. Do not wait for an appointment.
Common questions
Will treatment hurt?
A check-up and clean are not usually painful. If gum disease or decay needs treating, the dentist will explain what to expect.
Does mouthwash fix bad breath?
It can help hide it for a while, but it does not treat the underlying cause, so the smell tends to come back.
Is bad breath always caused by the mouth?
Most of the time, yes. Occasionally it comes from elsewhere, such as the sinuses, throat or digestive system, and a doctor’s opinion may be suggested if no dental cause is found.
Can brushing my tongue help?
Yes, a lot of the bacteria that cause odour sit on the tongue, so gently cleaning it as part of your routine can make a real difference.
Is bad breath a sign of gum disease?
It can be one of the signs. See our Gum Treatment page for the other signs to look out for.
How much does it cost?
It depends on what is causing it and what treatment, if any, is needed, so we can only tell you after examining you. Dr. Anjali will explain the cost before starting.
Bad breath care at Gangtok Dental Clinic
Dr. Anjali Gupta sees patients at Gangtok Dental Clinic and has more than 8 years of experience in dentistry. She will examine your mouth first, explain what she finds, go through the options and the cost with you, and nothing is started until you are ready to go ahead.
We are open every day from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Call or message us on WhatsApp at +91 82106 99271 to book a check. Our address is on the contact page.
This page gives general information about the treatment. It is not a diagnosis or medical advice, and what you need depends on an examination by your dentist. Please read our Medical Disclaimer.