Bad Breath or Halitosis
Posted on December 4, 2025
Bad breath (also known as halitosis) is something that worries everybody at some point. It can have a major social and psychological impact – no one wants to have unpleasant breath when talking to others. At our Brisbane dental practice, I see many patients concerned about their breath, and I always reassure them that they are not alone.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Everyone will suffer from bad breath occasionally, and there are many possible causes. Often, it’s not just one thing but a combination of factors. I follow a basic checklist to help find the cause of a patient’s halitosis. Remember, sometimes there isn’t a single culprit – multiple issues can contribute. For example, morning breath is very common, and the main reason is the reduction of saliva flow during sleep.
Without enough saliva to wash away bacteria, those bacteria multiply overnight and cause odour by morning. There’s also no chewing or movement while you sleep to stimulate saliva flow. On top of that, something you ate for dinner might release odorous gases from your gut while you sleep. A dry mouth (hypo-salivation or xerostomia) is one of the major contributors to bad breath, especially overnight.
Basic Checklist to Tackle Bad Breath
If you’re worried about persistent bad breath, here are the key things I suggest you consider:
- Visit Your Dentist: Have your teeth professionally cleaned and get a check-up. During this visit, the dentist will:
- Ensure there’s no gum disease and no build-up of plaque (bacteria) or calculus (tartar) on your teeth. These can harbour odour-causing bacteria.
- Check for any infections in your mouth.
- Look for other issues in the mouth or throat. For example, the dentist will check for signs of oral thrush (a Candida infection) or any throat problems that could be causing bad breath.
- Evaluate Your Diet: Think about what you’re eating and drinking.
- Are you on a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet? Such diets (like keto) can cause “ketone breath,” which has a distinctive odour. Also, eating a lot of spicy, heavily seasoned, or high-fat foods can leave lingering smells or affect your breath.
- Are you drinking enough water? Dehydration leads to a dry mouth, and a dry mouth can make bad breath worse.
- Are you having a lot of coffee or other caffeinated drinks (like energy drinks)? Caffeine can dry out your mouth and contribute to bad breath.
- Check for Sinus Issues: Do you have any sinus problems or nasal congestion? Sinus infections or post-nasal drip can lead to an odour in your mouth. If you’re dealing with a stuffy nose or sinusitis, it might be contributing to your halitosis.
- Review Your Medications: Consider any medications or medical treatments you’re currently undergoing. Many medications cause dry mouth as a side effect – this is very common. Medication-induced dry mouth means you have less saliva, which can lead to bad breath. Stress or certain medical conditions can also reduce saliva flow.
- Consider Digestive Issues: Do you suffer from heartburn or acid reflux? Conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause stomach acids or even small amounts of food to come back up into your throat or mouth, leading to an unpleasant smell. Some people also experience regurgitation or “rumination” of food, which can cause bad breath.
- Notice the Timing: When do you notice the bad breath the most? Is it mainly in the morning? As mentioned, morning breath is common because saliva production decreases at night. If your bad breath is mostly a morning issue, it could be largely due to normal overnight dryness – but you can still improve it by addressing the other factors (like dry mouth or diet).
- Watch Your Breathing Habits: Do you breathe through your mouth a lot, especially at night? Mouth breathing (instead of nasal breathing) can dry out your mouth. A dry mouth allows bacteria to thrive, which can cause bad breath. If you often wake up with a dry tongue or mouth, you might be sleeping with your mouth open.
Summary
The good news is that bad breath can usually be improved once we identify what’s causing it. In most cases, simple changes – such as improving oral hygiene, staying hydrated, adjusting your diet, or treating a sinus or digestive issue – can make a big difference. At our Brisbane clinic, we help patients pinpoint the causes of their halitosis and find effective solutions. You don’t have to live with chronic bad breath. If you’re worried about your breath, come in for a consult with Dr. Adam Alford, and we’ll work out a plan to get your fresh breath back!
