How to Get Rid of Bad Breath: Causes and Fixes That Work
To get rid of bad breath, brush twice a day, clean between your teeth daily, keep saliva flowing, and see your dentist to rule out gum disease. Studies show 50 percent of adults have had bad breath at some point, and most causes sit in the mouth.
Dentist review pending. This guide gives general information and does not replace a dentist's exam.
What causes bad breath?
Bacteria cause most bad breath. They feed on food left in your mouth and leave a foul-smelling waste product behind, and dry mouth, gum disease, food, tobacco, and some medical conditions add to the problem.
Bacteria
Brush twice a day. Clean between teeth daily.
Dry mouth
Chew sugar-free gum. Eat crunchy foods like carrots.
Gum disease
Persistent odor needs a dentist visit.
Food
Garlic, onions, and coffee leave the mouth by brushing.
Tobacco
Quitting helps breath and gums.
Medical conditions
If the dentist rules out the mouth, see your doctor.
How do you get rid of bad breath for good?
Treat the cause. A steady routine of brushing, cleaning between teeth, and regular dental visits fixes most cases, and the ADA lists the same core steps.
- 1Brush twice a day, and brush for a full two minutes.
- 2Clean between your teeth every day with floss or a water flosser. Bacteria hide where a toothbrush cannot reach.
- 3Keep saliva moving. Chew sugar-free gum or eat crunchy foods like carrots and apples.
- 4Clean removable dentures. Take them out at night and clean them well before wearing them again.
- 5Quit smoking and other tobacco. It dries the mouth, irritates gums, and dulls your sense of smell.
- 6See your dentist regularly. Checkups catch gum disease and dry mouth before they get worse.
Does mouthwash get rid of bad breath?
Mouthwash helps for a short time. Over-the-counter rinses can kill bacteria or neutralize and temporarily mask bad breath, but the longer food stays in your mouth, the more likely your breath will offend.
Pick a rinse that does more than mask. The mouthwash guide shows how therapeutic and cosmetic rinses differ.
Why does my breath still smell after brushing?
Brushing misses two big triggers: gum disease and dry mouth. Bad breath that will not go away, or a constant bad taste, can warn of advanced gum disease.
Check your gums first. Red, swollen, or bleeding gums point toward gum disease. Then check your saliva. A sticky, parched mouth points toward dry mouth. Tonsil stones also cause odor, and they show up as white or yellow specks on the tonsils (see the tonsil stone guide).
When is bad breath a sign of something serious?
See your dentist first. If your dentist rules out the mouth and you brush and floss daily, a sinus condition, gastric reflux, diabetes, or liver or kidney disease could be responsible, and your doctor can check.
Quick answers
Can you smell your own bad breath?
Not always. Smoking affects your sense of smell, so smokers may not realize how their breath smells. A trusted friend or your dentist can tell you.
Is bad breath a sign of gum disease?
It can be. Persistent bad breath or a lasting bad taste is a warning sign of advanced gum disease, so book a dental exam if it will not go away.
Does dry mouth cause bad breath?
Yes. Saliva washes out your mouth, so too little of it leaves bacteria and food behind. Medications, salivary gland problems, and mouth breathing can all dry the mouth.
How much does a dentist visit for bad breath cost?
Prices vary by dentist and city. See typical ranges in the dental cost guides and compare options with the savings finder.
Find out what is behind your breath
Plaque and gum health drive most bad breath. Your free Grin Score checks both from a quick photo series.
Score My Grin, FreeBetterGrin shares general dental education. It does not diagnose conditions or replace care from a licensed dentist or doctor. Costs and plan terms vary by plan, state, and provider.