Bad breath (or halitosis) is a stereotypically embarrassing but generally overlooked health issue. Most people mistake bad breath as simply poor oral hygiene, but it could also be indicative of an undetected medical condition. This blog will first review medical reasons for bad breath, and then go on to present some remedies you can try at home (under supervision) to breathe easier, more confident, and healthier.
Medical reasons for bad breath
Over 90% of bad breath originates in the mouth, from bacteria, the breakdown of food debris, or lack of proper dental hygiene. However, it can also originate from areas outside of the mouth. Below are some of the most relevant medical reasons:
1. Dental and gum disease
When oral hygiene is poor, the bacteria in the mouth thrive on teeth and gums, which leads to plaque. These produce foul-smelling due to sulfur compounds. Dental cavities, gingivitis, or periodontitis that are not treated will make it even worse.
2. Tongue coating
Depending on the person, there may be bacteria and dead cells stuck to the surface of the tongue, specifically towards the back. This “fuzzy” coating may be responsible for offensive breath.
3. Xerostomia (or dry mouth)
Saliva is responsible for cleansing the mouth of debris associated with bad breath, and cleaning the mouth of microbes. If saliva is not effectively produced due to dehydration, or if someone is on medications, has Sjögren’s syndrome, or breathes through their mouth, this will lead to bad breath.
4. Upper airway infection (or sinus)
Often people may have chronic sinusitis, post-nasal drip, tonsillitis, or throat infections. These can provide the pathways for decay and the growth of bacteria in nasal passages or in the back of the throat that could produce bad smells.
5. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux
The stomach is designed to break down food and contains digestive acids and bacteria. If stomach acid, partially digested food, or gas works its way up into the esophagus or throat because of the pressures within the stomach, they can carry odors that result in bad breath.
6. Metabolic disease / systemic disease
Breath associated with conditions such as diabetes (particularly ketoacidosis), chronic kidney disease, or liver disease can generate specific odors to breath (sweet, ammonia, or “urinous”). In the case of metabolic or systemic diseases, when the body does not clear compounds effectively, gases produced can off-gas via the lungs.
7. Certain diets or medications
Very low-carbohydrate diets (for example ketogenic diets) may produce “ketone” breath. Some medications (for example antihistamines or diuretics) may dry the mouth and indirectly result in bad breath.
When bad breath continues despite good oral hygiene, or if other symptoms/results are occurring such as unintentional weight loss, mouth ulcers, chronic cough, or digestive complaints, contact your primary care provider or dentist.
Bad breath remedies (At home & adjunct options)
Below are a set of bad breath remedies that incorporate evidence or traditional practices. These are meant to be adjuncts, not interventions or replacements for medical care or professional services.
1. Have good oral hygiene
- Brushing your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste (ideally you brush both morning and night).
- Flossing daily to remove food particles stuck between your teeth if applicable.
- Cleaning your tongue (with a tongue scraper or gentle brushing) is also recommended to remove the microbial film that may be stuck to your tongue.
- Visiting your dentist for cleaning and routine exams to help control periodontal disease and cavities may be another way to have good oral hygiene.
2. Drink plenty of fluids
Drink lots of plain water (ideally 6–8 or more glasses, depending on needs). Proper hydration will allow you to produce enough saliva, or at least dilute and effectively remove agents that produce odor. Sugary and caffeinated drinks may dry the mouth.
3. Probiotic foods – Yogurt
Plain (unsweetened) yogurt can be a way of introducing beneficial bacteria that may inhibit bad-mouth bacteria. Healthline discussed a study that reported 80% of participants had improved bad breath after six weeks of yogurt consumption.
4. Milk after pungent meals
Drinking a glass of milk during or after a meal with pungent foods (such as garlic or onion) can help neutralize the sulfur compounds causing the odour.
5. Chew or consume aromatic seeds/herbs
For generations, traditional seeds like fennel or anise (a common mukhwaas in India) were used to freshen breath naturally. These seeds contain aromatic essential oils that leave a pleasant scent.
Similarly, parsley is highly abundant in chlorophyll and may help mask bad odour; chewing fresh parsley leaves after meals is a folk remedy that is often suggested.
6. Fresh fruits & vitamin C-rich foods
Citrus fruits like oranges help with saliva production, inhibiting bacterial growth due to their vitamin C content.
Eating raw apples has been shown to reduce garlic odour, as apples neutralize sulfur compounds.
7. Green tea
Green tea has both antibacterial and deodorizing qualities that may provide temporary fresh breath. You can brew green tea or mint tea and consume it between meals.
Conclusion
In short, home remedies for bad breath such as tongue scrapers, yogurt, herbal rinses, and baking soda or water can significantly lessen bad breath from an oral source.
But ongoing, persistent halitosis may be more than just oral.At Sanjeevi Hospital; we are your trusted gastro and maternal clinic in Gingee. As a team consisting of dentists, ENT doctors, gastroenterologists, and internal medicine specialists, we can diagnose and treat the cause of halitosis.
If bad breath is affecting your social interactions, or if your breath continues even after taking care of your mouth, don't ignore it. Book your consultation at Sanjeevi Hospital, your premier gastro or maternity clinic, and we make it possible for our internal medicine doctors or ENT doctors to be able to provide information and relief.