Bad breath: What causes halitosis, and can you pass it along?

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Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a prevalent oral health issue that affects people of all ages worldwide.

While suffering from halitosis may seem quite embarrassing, there are several ways to cure or prevent it in the future. But first, you must know the root cause of your bad breath, as it differs from person to person.

What causes bad breath?

In an exclusive GMA News Online interview, Dr. Ana Beatriz Robles, DMD of Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center, said halitosis has many possible causes, but the most apparent and common source are localized oral health problems, such as gum disease, tartar, and cavities, to name a few.

According to the 2022 Global Oral Health Status Report of the World Health Organization, an estimated 3.5 billion people worldwide suffer from oral diseases, "with three out of four people affected living in middle-income countries."

But beyond dental problems, illnesses related to the gastrointestinal system, such as acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can also result in bad breath.

"Our whole body is interconnected. You also have issues that go much deeper, literally and figuratively," Robles said.

The dentist also said any condition that has a side effect of dry mouth or xerostomia may also lead to halitosis, as well as smoking and prolonged hunger.

According to the Mayo Clinic, dry mouth is a condition "when the salivary glands in the mouth don't make enough saliva to keep the mouth wet."

It's often a side effect of specific medical procedures and medicines, such as immunotherapy and radiation therapy, among others.

Are there any specific foods or drinks that can worsen halitosis?

Robles said the usual aromatics in the kitchen, such as garlic and onion, are among the notorious food ingredients that can cause a foul odor in the mouth. In the same way, there are also natural remedies that can counter halitosis, including parsley and ginger.

In addition, the dentist said any sugar-based food may also cause bad breath if you don't drink water immediately after having a dessert or a treat.

"Anything sweet on the mouth will sit on your teeth," she said. "The sugar will ferment into acid, and then it's going to cause a foul odor."

Is halitosis transmittable?

If the cause of your bad breath is a side effect of other health conditions such as diabetes, GERD, or acid reflux, Robles said it's not contagious. However, if your halitosis is caused by gum disease or other dental caries, then it's transmittable.

"That's why with parents, we don't recommend they use the same spoon as they can pass along dental caries-causing bacteria [to their kids]," she said.

"Bottomline, yes, [halitosis] can be contagious if it is caused by a local issue [on the mouth]," she added.

Kiss bad breath goodbye

If you're unsure whether or not you're suffering from bad breath, the best way to know is to visit your dentist for a consultation.

"If you notice anything different with your teeth, any discomfort when you bite, do not take that for granted," Robles said.

"All of these small things could potentially be pointing you to a problem that is just starting out or a problem that could definitely be arrested and prevented from getting worse," she added.

Robles also said you must be honest with your dentist and consistent with your routine checkups.

"It's always better to be overly concerned about these things than nonchalant at all," she said. "It's so much more expensive to deal with negligence than prevention."

Regular dental visits, ideally twice a year, for professional teeth cleaning or oral prophylaxis are essential for maintaining good oral health. By being proactive and consistent with these visits, you can prevent and address issues like bad breath early on.

—MGP, GMA Integrated News