Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, can be caused by a variety of factors. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Poor oral hygiene: When you dont brush and floss regularly, bacteria accumulate on the bits of food left in your mouth and between your teeth. The sulfur compounds released by these bacteria make your breath smell.

• Certain foods: Foods such as onions, garlic, and spices can cause bad breath. After you digest these foods, they enter your bloodstream and can affect your breath until they leave your body.

• Dry mouth: Saliva helps to clean your mouth and remove particles that cause bad breath. When your mouth is dry, bacteria can thrive and cause bad breath. Dry mouth can be caused by certain medications, alcohol, stress, or a medical condition.

• Tobacco products: Smoking and other tobacco products can cause bad breath, stain your teeth, and put you at risk for a host of diseases.

• Health conditions: Bad breath may be a symptom of certain health conditions, such as respiratory infections, acid reflux, and liver or kidney disease. In these cases, a person is likely to experience significant symptoms beyond bad breath and should seek medical attention.

To improve bad breath, you can try the following:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day, after meals, with a fluoridated toothpaste.
• Floss daily to remove food particles and bacteria from between your teeth.
• Use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria from your tongue.
• Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist.
• Avoid tobacco products and limit your intake of alcohol.
• Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless candy to stimulate saliva production.
• Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings[[5]](https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/bad-breath-what-causes-it-and-what-to-do-about-it-2019012...