
Halitosis (Bad Breath): Causes, Treatments, and Prevention

This blog has been reviewed and approved by Francesca Dusio, an Italian registered Dentist with a strong international background.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- The main cause of bad breath, or halitosis, is plaque buildup on your teeth. Bacteria feed off the plaque and release a foul-smelling gas that leads to bad breath.
- Other causes of bad breath include stress, tobacco use, diet, dry mouth, and certain systemic medical conditions.
- To treat and prevent bad breath, brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss once a day, rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash, and brush your tongue. Additional lifestyle changes can also help — such as limiting caffeinated and alcoholic drinks, chewing sugarless gum, quitting smoking, and adjusting your diet.