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# Bad Breath: Causes and What Really Helps
- URL: https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/en/guide/bad-breath-causes/
- Published: 2025-06-24T07:15:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T11:01:10.000Z
- Description: In the vast majority of cases, bad breath has its cause in the mouth. How to find out where it comes from – and what helps.
- Author: Hassan Al-Johmani M.Sc.
- Tags: #t-prophylaxe-pflege-en, #lang-en, #ki-bild

Many people find bad breath embarrassing – and often nobody mentions it to them. Yet in most cases it can be treated well, because the cause usually lies in the mouth itself.

In short

In the vast majority of cases, bad breath is caused by bacteria on the tongue, between the teeth and in gum pockets that produce sulphurous gases. Cleaning the tongue, thorough interdental care, professional teeth cleaning and treating gum inflammation usually help reliably.

## Common causes

- coating on the back of the tongue
- food debris and plaque between the teeth
- gum inflammation or [periodontitis](https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/en/gum-disease-treatment-nuremberg/)
- leaking fillings, crown margins, poorly cleaned dentures
- dry mouth (e.g. due to medication or mouth breathing)
- less often: nose and throat, stomach or general illnesses

![Tongue cleaner, toothbrush and interdental brushes on a bright bathroom shelf](https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/content/images/size/w960/2026/10/rg-mundgeruch.webp)![](https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/assets/img/eu-ai/ai-generated-white.svg)

With bad breath, a tongue cleaner belongs in the daily routine.

What helps 
1. **Clean your tongue**daily with a tongue scraper, from back to front.
2. **Between the teeth**daily with interdental brushes or floss.
3. **Drink plenty**water keeps the mouth moist.
4. **Care for dentures**clean them thoroughly every day.
5. **Dental check-up**professional cleaning and examination for gum pockets.

Good to know

Mouthwashes and chewing gum only mask the odour for a short time. Only removing the cause helps in the long term.

Read more
- [Professional teeth cleaning](https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/en/teeth-cleaning-nuremberg/)
- [Recognising periodontitis](https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/en/guide/signs-of-periodontitis/)

Book your appointment at the Zahnarztpraxis St. Peter – via [online booking](https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/en/book-appointment/) or by phone on [0911 554181](tel:+49911554181). You will find us at Hainstraße 25, 90461 Nürnberg (tram 6/10 to Scharrerstraße, patient parking via Scharrerstraße).

## Frequently asked questions

How do I know whether I have bad breath?

You often do not notice it yourself. Ask someone you trust or have it checked at the dentist.

Can bad breath come from the stomach?

That is rare. In more than 80 per cent of cases, the cause lies in the mouth.