Halitosis

Persistent unpleasant breath odor (halitosis), resulting from volatile sulfur compounds and other odor-producing substances.

Causes

• Intraoral causes

  • Tongue bacteria and tongue coating

  • Poor oral hygiene and retained food particles in the oral cavity

  • Gingivitis

  • Periodontitis

  • Xerostomia (dry mouth)

  • Dental caries

  • Defective dental crowns or restorations

  • Denture-related plaque accumulation

• Throat and upper respiratory causes

  • Tonsilloliths (tonsil stones)

  • Tonsillitis

  • Sinusitis

  • Post-nasal drip

  • Bronchitis

  • Other chronic upper airway infections

• Systemic causes

  • Acid reflux (GERD)

  • Diabetic ketoacidosis

  • Liver failure

  • Kidney failure

  • Other metabolic disorders causing abnormal breath compounds

• Lifestyle and dietary factors

  • Garlic

  • Onions

  • Spicy foods

  • Tobacco smoking

  • Alcohol consumption

  • Fasting or prolonged dietary restriction