Morning Breath:

This is pretty common and happens when you wake up. During sleep, your mouth produces less saliva, which helps wash away bacteria. When there's less saliva, bacteria can build up, leading to that less-than-fresh feeling in the morning.

Food-Related Breath:

Certain foods, like garlic and onions, have strong odors that can linger even after you brush your teeth. These foods contain sulfur compounds that enter your bloodstream and are eventually released through your lungs, affecting your breath.

Poor Oral Hygiene:

If you're not brushing and flossing regularly, food particles and bacteria can build up in your mouth. This can cause a bad smell because bacteria break down food particles and produce foul-smelling gases.

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia):

Saliva helps clean your mouth and remove particles that cause bad odors. When your mouth is dry, whether due to medications, certain medical conditions, or dehydration, bad breath can result because there's not enough saliva to keep things clean.

Dental Issues:

Conditions like gum disease, tooth decay, or infections can lead to persistent bad breath. These issues create environments where bacteria can thrive, leading to unpleasant odors.

Medical Conditions:

Sometimes, bad breath can be a sign of underlying health issues, such as respiratory infections, diabetes, or gastrointestinal problems. These conditions can produce distinct odors that affect your breath.

Smoking and Tobacco Use:

Smoking or chewing tobacco not only causes bad breath but can also dry out your mouth and lead to other oral health problems, making the issue worse.

• Unpleasant Odor: The most obvious symptom is a persistent bad smell coming from your mouth, which can be noticeable to you and others.
• Dry Mouth: A feeling of dryness in your mouth can accompany bad breath, often indicating reduced saliva production.
• Metallic or Sour Taste: You might experience a persistent unpleasant taste in your mouth, which can sometimes be metallic or sour.
• Bad Breath That Doesn’t Improve: Even after brushing your teeth or using mouthwash, the bad breath doesn’t seem to go away or improves only temporarily.
• Coated Tongue: A white or yellowish coating on your tongue can be a sign of halitosis, often due to bacteria or dead cells accumulating on the surface.
• Frequent Throat Clearing or Coughing: Persistent throat clearing or coughing might be linked to underlying issues that contribute to bad breath.
• Sensitive or Bleeding Gums: Gum issues, such as sensitivity or bleeding, can be associated with halitosis, especially if they indicate gum disease.
• Tooth Decay or Cavities: Visible signs of tooth decay or cavities, like dark spots or holes in teeth, can be accompanied by bad breath.
• Gum Disease Symptoms: Symptoms such as swollen, red, or tender gums can be related to halitosis and suggest an underlying gum disease.