---
title: "What Is Bad breath (halitosis)? Dental Glossary"
description: "Bad breath, or halitosis, is an unpleasant odor from the mouth. It has many causes, and most trace back to bacteria in the mouth."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/bad-breath-halitosis
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Conditions

# Bad breath (halitosis)

Bad breath, or halitosis, is an unpleasant odor from the mouth. It has many causes, and most trace back to bacteria in the mouth.

Studies show that 50 percent of adults have had bad breath, or halitosis, at some point in their lives. Many causes are harmless. Bacteria that live naturally in your mouth are a common one. Dry mouth can add to it too.

Sometimes bad breath is a sign of something more serious. Gum disease is one possible cause, and so are cavities. Persistent bad breath is also listed as a warning sign of gum disease. See [dry mouth](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dry-mouth-xerostomia) and [gum disease](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/gum-disease-periodontal-disease).

Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth and brush or scrape your tongue. See a dentist if bad breath will not go away, so the cause can be found. A routine [dental exam](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-exam) is a good place to start.

[Town Center Dental can helpDental Exam](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-exam)

## Related terms

-   [Tongue scraper](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tongue-scraper)
-   [Dry mouth (xerostomia)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dry-mouth-xerostomia)
-   [Gum disease (periodontal disease)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/gum-disease-periodontal-disease)
-   [Oral hygiene](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/oral-hygiene)
-   [Dental plaque](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-plaque)

## Sources

1.  [MouthHealthy (ADA): Bad Breath](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/bad-breath)
2.  [MouthHealthy (ADA): Bad Breath](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/bad-breath)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)