Dental Symptom Checker
Chronic Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Persistent foul odor from the mouth that isn't fixed by mouthwash.
Common Causes
- Heavy tartar buildup and gum disease
- Deep cavities harboring food and bacteria
- Dry mouth (xerostomia)
- Bacteria on the tongue
What to do immediately
Brush twice daily and floss. Brush your tongue. Since mouthwashes only mask the smell, you need a professional dental cleaning to remove the source of the bacteria (tartar).
Urgency Level: Low/Medium - Book a scaling appointment.
If you are in severe pain or experiencing swelling, do not wait. Contact an emergency dentist immediately.
Suggested Treatment
Based on this symptom, you likely need to visit the clinic for an evaluation. The most common related treatment is:
Learn about the Treatment