What Causes Bad Breath?
09.02.2026

Bad breath may be caused by conditions such as hunger, tooth decay, beverages like coffee, tobacco products, bacterial infections in the mouth, inadequate tooth brushing, food debris, and stomach disorders.

If you are experiencing this condition known as halitosis, or bad breath, it is important to identify the source of the odor in order to find a definitive solution.
Bad breath may be caused by hunger, tooth decay, beverages like coffee, tobacco products, bacterial infections in the mouth, inadequate tooth brushing, food debris, and stomach disorders. In fact, since this condition may lead to criticism from our loved ones, it is also an important issue from a social perspective.

Symptoms of Bad Breath

In addition to an intense odor noticed in the mouth, an unpleasant taste may also be present. If the odor does not go away despite brushing your teeth, it means that the root of the problem is not related to oral hygiene alone. Many people who notice this situation search for answers to questions such as why bad breath occurs. Bad breath can have more than one cause.

Causes of Bad Breath

The most common causes are as follows;

  • Hunger: One of the primary causes of bad breath can be prolonged hunger.
  • Tobacco use: There is no one who does not know how harmful tobacco use is to human health. The substances contained in cigarettes can cause unpleasant odors in your mouth, as well as on your clothes and hands. At the same time, tobacco and other substances may lead to tooth decay.
  • Tooth decay: Cavities that develop in the teeth can cause bad breath. This odor, caused by bacteria, can be quite bothersome. In such cases, root canal treatment or dental fillings may be required.
  • Consumed food and beverages: Foods such as onions and garlic can cause bad breath. In addition, food particles remaining between the teeth may also lead to bad breath over time.
  • Infections: An infectious condition occurring in another part of the body may manifest itself as bad breath. If your dentist states that there is no issue in the oral area, you are most likely experiencing an infection that you are not aware of.
  • Tongue cleaning: The tongue has a rough surface and comes into contact with everything we eat and drink. Bacterial buildup caused by the uneven surface of the tongue may lead to bad breath.

Is There a Treatment for Bad Breath? How Is It Applied

The treatment method for bad breath varies depending on its source, and it is a problem that can be overcome through various approaches. The most common method is paying attention to oral hygiene. Today, in addition to the wide variety of toothpaste and toothbrush brands available, mouthwashes are also widely used.

  1. Brushing your teeth three times a day will help you feel fresher and eliminate bad breath.
  2. Reducing or completely quitting tobacco products will help protect your oral health and eliminate bad breath caused by tobacco use.
  3. Cavities in the teeth can cause pain due to sudden temperature changes when eating or drinking. In addition to this, the bad breath they cause is another issue. Visiting a specialist dentist and treating the decayed tooth will eliminate the problem.
  4. For the treatment of bad breath caused by infection, it is necessary to first identify the infected area and intervene accordingly. For this, you should consult a specialist physician.
  5. In addition to brushing your teeth, tongue cleaning is also very important. You can clean your tongue using the textured surface on the back of your toothbrush or with a separate tongue cleaner.

Once you identify the source of the problem, you will also find the solution. During this process, do not hesitate to seek help from professionals.

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Tülay AKKOL

Chief Dentist

Tülay AKKOL

Chief Dentist and Tülay Akkol Dental founder Tülay Akkol shares valuable insights on dental health and care, offering practical tips for everyday life. Her articles also highlight the latest innovations and developments in dentistry, helping readers stay informed about the industry's advancements.

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