They may not pose a serious health risk. But these small bits of tissue can cause unpleasant problems. Learn how to prevent tonsil stones and what to do if they become bothersome. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission.
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is breath that has an unpleasant odor. This odor can strike periodically or be persistent, depending on the cause. In many people, the millions of bacteria that live in the mouth particularly on the back of the tongue are the primary causes of bad breath. The mouth's warm, moist conditions make an ideal environment for these bacteria to grow. Most bad breath is caused by something in the mouth. Some types of bad breath, such as "morning mouth," are considered to be fairly normal, and they usually are not health concerns.
Jump to content. Everybody has bad breath from time to time, especially first thing in the morning. You also may have bad breath when you are hungry, when you are dieting, or after eating foods with a strong odor, such as garlic, onions, or pastrami. Many things can cause bad breath.
Bad breath affects an estimated 25 percent of people. There are a number of possible causes of halitosis, but the vast majority come down to oral hygiene. It is also known as halitosis or fetor oris. Halitosis can cause significant worry, embarrassment, and anxiety but it is relatively easy to remedy.