What does "halitosis" mean?

“Halitosis” means bad breath. The word describes an unpleasant odor coming from the mouth, whether it is temporary or persistent.

The term comes from Latin halitus, meaning “breath,” combined with the medical suffix -osis, meaning a condition or process. Common short-term causes include foods such as garlic and onions, smoking, dry mouth, and poor oral hygiene. Bacteria on the tongue and around the teeth can break down food particles and release foul-smelling compounds.

Persistent halitosis is often linked to gum disease, tooth decay, tongue bacteria, or reduced saliva flow. Less commonly, it can accompany conditions affecting the throat, sinuses, lungs, or digestive system. A common mix-up is assuming bad breath always comes from the stomach; in most cases, the source is in the mouth. Brushing, flossing, cleaning the tongue, drinking water, and dental checkups can help identify the cause.