Some people don’t even know they have it.

Some people aren’t aware they can treat it.

Bad breath is a major killer of good communication, relationships (who wants to kiss THAT?!), and in extreme cases can result in a loss of respect for the offending mouth’s person.

So what causes bad breath?

There are several possible causes, but the most common actually relates to the food you eat. Garlic, onions, hot peppers… when the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it travels to the lungs, and is expelled with normal breathing. Brushing and flossing after that garlic parmesan pasta lunch will only temporarily mask the odor because once the food does that bloodstream circulation, it comes right back out again.

People who diet tend to have issues with halitosis as well, because they’re either not eating enough, or the foods they do eat create gases in the stomach that “erupt” and come back out. Fibrous vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and green beans are big causes of this type of bad breath.

Of course, tobacco products are an obvious cause of stench, both inside and outside the mouth, but really bad breath can be sign of an infection inside the mouth or in the respiratory system somewhere. If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your family doctor or a specialist to determine the cause of bad breath. Some medical conditions such as diabetes, liver or kidney problems, chronic bronchitis or sinusitis can cause problems, as can some medications.

What can I do about it?

First things first, know that mouthwashes, mints, gum, and sprays are only temporary fixes, and depending on the severity and cause of your problem may not even fix for more than a few minutes. If you know that you’re brushing twice a day with a fluoride paste (tongue and cheeks too), flossing at least once a day, and using an antibacterial mouthwash and you still are having issues with bad breath, you need to see your dentist right away. There may be an oral infection that needs immediate attention before it causes bigger problems. If the dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your regular doctor to determine if there’s some kind of medical condition causing the problem instead.

Whatever the reason for your offensive oral odors, scheduling regular visits to your dentist AND doctor, watching what you eat, maintaining good oral health practices at home, and not smoking are the only ways to make sure you take care of it.