Breath odor affects everyone at some point. Bad breath is also known as halitosis or fetor oris. Odor can come from the mouth, teeth, or as a result of an underlying health problem.

Bad breath odor can be a temporary problem or a chronic condition. According to the American Dental Association, at least 50 percent of adults have had halitosis in their lifetime.

What are the symptoms of breath odor?

In addition to a bad smell, you may also notice a bad taste in your mouth. If the taste is due to an underlying condition and isn’t because of trapped food particles, it may not disappear — even if you brush your teeth and use mouthwash.

What causes breath odor?

Poor dental hygiene

Bacteria breaks down food particles trapped in the teeth or mouth. The combination of the bacteria and decaying food in your mouth produces an unpleasant odor. Brushing and flossing regularly removes trapped food before it decays.

Brushing also removes plaque, a sticky substance that builds up on your teeth and causes odor. Plaque buildup can cause cavities and periodontal disease. Bad breath also can be a problem if you wear dentures and don’t clean them every night.

Strong foods and beverages

When you eat onions, garlic, or other foods with strong odors, your stomach absorbs oils from the foods during digestion. These oils pass into your bloodstream and travel to your lungs.

This produces an odor that others can notice in your breath for up to 72 hours. Drinking beverages with strong odors, such as coffee, can also contribute to bad breath.

Smoking

Smoking cigarettes or cigars causes a bad odor and dries out your mouth, which can make your breath odor even worse.