• Diet – It is widely known that certain foods can cause distinct and unpleasant odors when eaten. They can also cause gastrointestinal upset and belching, which expels the odor into the air. Another common cause: some low-carb diets, which cause the body to burn fat as an energy source,thereby producing ketones that emit a fruity, acetone-like odor.
• A medical disorder or disease – A variety of conditions are known to cause bad breath , particularly those associated with the mouth, nose and throat. This can include diabetes, liver or kidney disease, lactose intolerance, chronic bronchitis and other conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease ( GERD ) – which can cause bad breath due to the regular reflux of stomach acids.

• Poor dental hygiene – The foul smell associated with halitosis is often due to bacteria missed by your toothbrush or floss. It can be left on your tongue, below the gum line, between teeth, and other difficult-to-reach areas. The same goes for leftover food that eventually begins to break down in all of those hidden crevices. It is also a side effect of a number of oral diseases, such as tooth decay or gum disease.

• Dental appliances – Cleaning any dental appliances – such as retainers or dentures – is equally as important as brushing your teeth. Left uncleaned, food can become trapped in the appliance and stay pressed against your gums or teeth for hours at a time. This leaves bacteria build-up that can be transferred back into your mouth, where it eventually produces an unpleasant odor.

• Morning breath – Typically due to dry mouth, morning breath is a common culprit for halitosis. An estimated 61 percent of Americans experience dry mouth due to breathing through their mouth, rather than their nose, while sleeping.

• Tobacco or drugs – Tobacco is known to cause bad breath, as it increases the chance of tooth decay and gum disease. Drugs, which often decrease saliva production, can increase odors due to dry mouth and the release of chemicals. Some drugs that cause bad breath include nitrates, chemotherapy chemicals and tranquilizers. People who regularly take vitamins can also experience bad breath. Research the vitamins in your regimen to learn if this is a possible side effect.

Bad breath is an embarrassing condition that can impede on your confidence and the ability to socialize. Curing halitosis starts with determining the root cause, and whether it can be resolved, or only managed ‒ such as irreversible gum disease. Start by visiting your dentist for regular mouth and teeth cleanings. This will not only benefit your overall oral health, but will allow the dentist to monitor the state of your halitosis. During these visits, your dentist will also be able to provide halitosis treatments, such as a tongue scraping, to remove any buildup of bacteria.