Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Chronic bad breath goes beyond the typical odors associated with eating onions or garlic. It is a persistent issue most often attributed to periodontal disease (pyorrhea or gum disease), but the list of possible causes is extensive. Other oral conditions, such as dry mouth, canker ulcers, extensive decay, and other infections can also be the culprit.

Bad breath can also be indicative of more significant issues like tonsil, adenoid, and other pharyngeal conditions, sinus problems or infections, nasal conditions including postnasal drip, respiratory tract infections, lung, stomach, even systemic or metabolic disorders (diabetes, kidney, liver, immune system). It is unlikely that the problem is life threatening, though it is a sign of a problem that needs to be further evaluated.