Bad breath, sometimes known as halitosis, is a common problem. In most cases, it is caused by a build up of bacteria in the mouth, as a result of food debris, plaque, or gum disease.

It can be difficult to realize that you have bad breath. Bad breath tends to be noticed by other people first, and it may be difficult for them to tell you that you have it without embarrassing them or you. You may therefore have to rely on a close friend or family member to tell you that you have bad breath.

It is difficult to know just how common the problem of bad breath is, but it has been estimated that it affects up to 50% of us at some point during our lives. Bad breath often occurs after eating strongly flavoured foods, such as onions and garlic. Smoking and drinking a lot of alcohol can also cause your breath to smell unpleasant. However, using good dental hygiene practices can usually prevent bad breath.