Breath odor, or halitosis, is common, if unpleasant, distinctive, or offensive.

Table of contents
1 Considerations
2 Common Causes
3 Home Care
4 External link

Considerations

Some medical disorders will produce specific, characteristic odors to the breath.

Common Causes

If previously normal breath turns into halitosis, causes could include:

Diseases that may be associated with breath odor (not presented in order of likelihood -- some are extremely unlikely):
  • Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis
  • Acute necrotizing ulcerative mucositis
  • Acute renal failure
  • Bowel obstruction (can cause breath to smell like feces)
  • Bronchiectasis
  • Chronic renal failure (can cause breath to smell like ammonia)
  • Diabetes (fruity or "sweet chemical" smell with ketoacidosis)
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Gastric carcinoma
  • Gastrojejunocolic fistula (fruity-smelling breath)
  • Hepatic encephalopathy
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis
  • Lung abscess
  • Ozena, or atrophic rhinitis
  • Periodontal disease
  • Pharyngitis
  • Zenker's diverticulum

DISCLAIMER
Please remember that Wikipedia is offered for informational use only. The information is in most cases not reviewed by professionals. You are advised to contact your doctor for health-related decisions.

Home Care

Use proper dental hygiene (especially flossing), and remember that mouthwashes are not effective in treating the underlying problem.

Fresh parsley or a strong mint are often effective ways to fight temporary bad breath. Avoid smoking. Otherwise, follow prescribed therapy to treat the underlying cause.

External link