---
title: "Bad Breath (Halitosis)"
id: "6215"
type: "page"
slug: "bad-breath"
published_at: "2025-03-21T12:17:03+00:00"
modified_at: "2025-09-15T10:03:59+00:00"
url: "https://www.medidental.pt/en/bad-breath/"
markdown_url: "https://www.medidental.pt/en/bad-breath.md"
excerpt: "Halitosis affects over 30% of the world population — and 49% of Portuguese people."
---

![Image](https://www.medidental.pt/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/mau-halito-banner.jpg)

# Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Halitosis affects over 30% of the world population — and 49% of Portuguese people.

In over 90% of cases, the source is inside the mouth, especially due to poor hygiene and bacterial buildup on the tongue.

Other causes include:

- Systemic/metabolic diseases
- Medication
- Diet
- Dental prosthetics
- Cavities or gum disease
- Reduced saliva production

Besides lowering self-confidence, it can cause discomfort and social withdrawal.

![Image](https://www.medidental.pt/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/mau-halito-01.jpg)

Book your consultation now and feel the difference in your daily life.

[Book Consultation](https://www.medidental.pt/en/book-appointment/)

## Types of Halitosis

### Genuine halitosis

Caused by physiological or pathological factors (oral or extraoral)

- Physiological: : Temporary (due to food, medication, reduced saliva)
- Pathological: Often due to periodontal disease, poor hygiene, bacterial excess; extraoral causes include respiratory/GI infections or liver/kidney disorders

### Pseudo-halitosis

Patient believes they have bad breath but it isn’t clinically detected

### Halitophobia

Persistent fear of halitosis, even after professional confirmation it does not exist

Free yourself from complexes and from socially and professionally embarrassing situations.