The Reason Behind Your Bad Breath
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Bad breath happens to everyone. Morning breath is normal. Garlic at lunch? Also, normal. But when bad breath lingers, it may signal something more than just last night’s dinner. At Larkham House Dental Practice, we help patients get to the root cause of halitosis — and fix it for good. Let’s explore why bad breath happens and what you can do about it.
Bad breath happens to everyone. Morning breath is normal. Garlic at lunch? Also, normal. But when bad breath lingers, it may signal something more than just last night’s dinner.
At Larkham House Dental Practice, we help patients get to the root cause of halitosis — and fix it for good. Let’s explore why bad breath happens and what you can do about it.
Halitosis is the medical term for persistent bad breath. It usually starts in the mouth. In fact, around 80–90% of cases come from oral causes.
Bacteria naturally live in your mouth. When they break down food particles, they release sulphur compounds. These gases cause the unpleasant smell.
The good news? Most causes are easy to treat.
Poor Oral Hygiene
If you skip brushing and flossing, plaque builds up. Food debris stays trapped between teeth. Bacteria multiply quickly.
This leads to:
Brushing twice daily and flossing once a day makes a huge difference.
Gum Disease
Persistent bad breath can be one of the first signs of gum disease.
When plaque hardens into tartar, it irritates the gums. Infection develops. Pockets form around teeth. These pockets trap bacteria and produce strong odours.
If your gums bleed or feel tender, book a dental check-up. Early treatment prevents long-term damage.
A Coated Tongue
Your tongue can hold thousands of bacteria. If it looks white or coated, that buildup may be causing the smell.
Use a tongue scraper or gently brush your tongue daily. It’s simple but effective.
Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
Saliva keeps your mouth clean. It washes away bacteria and food particles.
When saliva flow drops, bacteria increase.
Common causes include:
Drink plenty of water and speak to your dentist if dry mouth persists.
Diet Choices
Onions, garlic and coffee can temporarily affect breath. High-protein or low-carb diets may also cause a distinct odour.
These smells usually fade after digestion, but good oral hygiene helps reduce the impact.
Smoking
Smoking dries the mouth and leaves chemical residues behind. It also increases your risk of gum disease — a major cause of chronic halitosis.
Stopping smoking improves both your breath and your overall oral health.
Medical Conditions
Sometimes bad breath comes from outside the mouth.
Sinus infections, acid reflux, tonsil stones, or uncontrolled diabetes can all contribute. If your dentist rules out oral causes, we may suggest speaking to your GP.
We don’t just mask the smell. We find the cause.
Your appointment may include:
If needed, we create a personalised treatment plan.
Small habits create lasting change.
If bad breath lasts longer than two weeks despite good oral care, book an appointment. Persistent halitosis is not something you need to live with.
Fresh breath boosts confidence. It improves social comfort. And it often means a healthier mouth overall.
At Larkham House Dental Practice, we’re here to help you feel confident when you smile — and when you speak.
If you’re worried about bad breath, contact our friendly team today.
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