The reasons behind your bad breath

You are what you eat

We all know the main foods that cause bad breath - and it's only too easy to tell if you've overdosed a little on the garlic. But bad diet and junk food can also cause problems.

"Bacteria love carbohydrate-rich foods, so switching to a diet containing fewer sugary or carbohydrate-rich foods can help - as the bacteria don't work with them as well," explains dentist Dr Mohsin Ghor.

In addition, if you're cutting back the calories to attain your ideal figure, it's important to be aware that you might experience this less attractive side-effect. This is due to the fact that when your body begins to break down fat for energy, it will produce ketones, which can lead to an unpleasant smell.

"This is something experienced by crash dieters, and also by people who are fasting," explains Ghor.

Finally, certain medications including some chemotherapy drugs, have been associated with bad breath. If you are affected, speak to your doctor.

Build-up of calculus

"The leading cause of bad breath is build-up of plaque on the tooth's surface," explains Ghor. "This can start to accumulate in any neglected areas in the mouth, particularly around the back teeth if people aren't flossing or using interdental brushes. That will then harden into calculus and this can only be removed with a professional clean."

"This doesn’t necessarily give off a smell, but it makes cleaning even more difficult. It creates ledges and more places for bacteria to thrive. As the bacteria in these areas break down food and drink, the biproduct is often a bad smell."

If areas are neglected long-term, this can also lead to tooth decay.

Dry mouth

Dry Mouth is an unpleasant condition in which the mouth lacks sufficient saliva, which can cause bad breath and other uncomfortable symptoms.

"Saliva acts as a lubricant and a buffer, flushing bacteria, food and other debris out of the mouth; but people with dry mouth don't have that saliva flow," explains Ghor. "Again, this causes bacterial build-up in the mouth."

Dry mouth is a condition often suffered by the elderly, but can also be caused by mouth-breathing, certain medications or a blocked salivary gland.

In addition, "Any sort of nasal obstruction or congestion can lead to mouth-breathing," explains Clare Morrison, GP from MedExpress. "These can also encourage bacterial growth in the sinus which can exacerbate the symptoms of bad breath."

Dehydration too can lead to dry mouth. One of the many reasons - drinking too much alcohol (a diuretic) - can leave your mouth as well as your head suffering the next morning.

Poorly fitting dentures

If you wear dentures, you may be happy with their fit; but any gaps between the dentures and the soft tissue of the mouth can trap food and cause bad breath.

"Some patients will say they are happy with the dentures they have had for 30 years, but they're not a good fit. It feels comfortable because they are used to it and they're sticking them in with denture glue and they are not fitting around the soft tissue," explains Ghor. "When you remove them, there will be food underneath."

"Even those with full dentures should continue to have dental check-ups."

Acid reflux

If you suffer from acid reflux, you'll be familiar with the uncomfortable and sometimes painful symptoms that accompany this condition. However, as well as digestive problems, this issue can also lead to problems with breath, as smells from the stomach can reach the mouth.

In addition, reflux can cause bacterial problems in the mouth. "Reflux can make the oral environment much more acidic and bacteria thrive in this environment - again leading to bad breath," explains Ghor.

If you suffer from reflux, visit your GP who can prescribe medication to counter the problem.

Tonsil stones

If you're suffering from tonsillitis, you'll be only too aware of the problem, as the symptoms include a painful throat and high fever as well as bad breath.

However, tonsil stones (tonsilloliths) can also cause bad breath, but you may not be aware you have them.

"Tonsil stones are an accumulation of bacteria or debris in the tonsil that can cause a persistent smell," explains Morrison. "If you look into the throat you should be able to see them on the tonsils."

"Unfortunately, we can't do much about these; but do see your GP if you're worried or unsure about them."

Psychological problem

If you are convinced you have bad breath, but your dentist and those around you are not able to pick up on the condition, it could be that you are suffering from halitophobia, "a condition where people are convinced they've got bad breath when they haven’t. It can be a real problem, as it can make people anxious about close relationships and avoid social gatherings,” explains Morrison.

If you are still worried about bad breath after having initial investigations, make sure you raise this with your GP.

How to prevent bad breath

Whilst most causes of persistent bad breath will require a trip to the dentist or hygienist, there are a number of ways to improve symptoms at home.

Managing dry mouth

"For dry mouth, we would always recommend chewing on chewing gum to increase saliva flow and freshen breath. Sugar-free sweets can also stimulate saliva flow. Sipping on water regularly can also be helpful.

"Whilst there is medication that can be prescribed, this will only be given in extreme cases," explains Ghor.

Regular brushing

As well as seeing your dentist every six months, and visiting the hygienist, to ensure proper oral hygiene it's important to “brush twice a day for the minimum of two minutes,” explains Dr Monika Laczna, the CEO and clinical director of the Blue Light Dental & Aesthetic Clinic in London. "You really can’t brush too much unless you brush too hard - so the more the better!"

Thorough cleaning

"Flossing is also essential, although not everyone gets on with it. If you dislike flossing, trying an electric flosser, which uses air to clear debris from between the teeth, could be the answer," suggests Laczna.

"Patients should also clean their tongue. You can buy products such as tongue-scrapers for this, and it can help to keep your mouth fresh," adds Ghor.

A manageable condition

Although other conditions, such as lung infection, kidney problems or liver problems, may be associated with bad breath, if the unpleasant smell is your primary concern, it's unlikely that you are suffering from anything serious.

"Bad breath isn't going to be something that's going to pick up on another huge medical problem," agrees Ghor. "It tends to, the majority of the time, be as simple as bad oral hygiene and is very, very manageable."