Bad breath is something we all want to avoid, but it’s a common issue. According to Dr. Christopher Pullins, a family medicine doctor at Mayo Clinic, “Around 30% of people regularly deal with bad breath, and no one is truly exempt from it.”

The prevalence of bad breath is largely due to common factors in our lives. For example, the foods we consume can have a major influence on our breath’s scent. Foods like onions, fish, garlic, Brussels sprouts, chips, horseradish, cheese, coffee, citrus fruits, and spicy dishes are particularly notorious for causing bad breath.

However, regardless of the specific reasons behind bad breath, there are ways to eliminate or at least reduce it significantly.

Understanding Bad Breath

Bad breath is often referred to as halitosis, which describes a condition characterized by unpleasant odor. Kasandra Heath, a registered dental hygienist at Mesa View Dental in St. George, Utah, explains, “It’s typically caused by what you eat, lack of dental hygiene, or sometimes an underlying health issue.”

The foul smell is usually attributed to sulfur compounds created by the breakdown of proteins by bacteria that reside in your mouth, especially on the tongue.

Why do some individuals have worse breath than others?

Although bacteria that cause bad breath are present in everyone’s mouth, some people have more persistent issues with it. “The causes of halitosis are numerous,” notes Pullins.

For instance, individuals with poor dental hygiene are likely to harbor more of these bacteria compared to those who maintain regular brushing and flossing. The same goes for smokers and people who often eat foods that contribute to bad breath—these groups are more at risk than those who avoid such items.

Additionally, certain medications or treatments for conditions like high blood pressure, chemotherapy, diabetes, and antihistamines can also be linked to foul breath.

Dr. Mirissa Price, a spokesperson for the American Dental Association and a pediatric dentist at Boston Children’s Hospital, states, “Certain health issues can lead to bad breath as well.”

Conditions like dry mouth, gum disease, digestive troubles, or respiratory problems such as bronchitis and sinusitis can be contributing factors. Those with sleep issues like snoring or sleep apnea might notice worse breath due to mouth dryness at night—this reduces saliva, making it harder for the mouth to cleanse itself.

Heath adds that people suffering from acid reflux may also struggle with bad breath “because stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus along with undigested food.”

Ways to Eliminate Bad Breath

To address bad breath effectively, Pullins emphasizes the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene: “Flossing and brushing your teeth thoroughly, both in the morning, at night, and after meals, is crucial.” He also notes that “regular dental check-ups are vital to prevent gum disease.”

Heath supports this advice, suggesting that using mouthwash and paying extra attention to your tongue can drastically reduce bacterial presence. She points out that breath mints and chewing gum can offer temporary relief, but they only mask the odor without addressing the origin.

Price recommends avoiding practices like smoking and limiting sugar intake, as excessive sugar consumption can lead to tooth decay. It’s also beneficial to promote saliva flow, which naturally helps cleanse the mouth of odor-causing bacteria. “Eating crunchy foods that require a lot of chewing, such as apples or celery, can help stimulate saliva production,” she advises.

If bad breath persists despite these efforts, Price suggests scheduling a visit with your dentist to investigate any underlying issues that may be causing it.