Can bad breath be cured?

Generally, whether halitosis can be cured mainly depends on its underlying cause. Once the cause is identified and treated appropriately, symptoms of halitosis usually improve significantly or disappear completely. The details are as follows:

Halitosis can be divided into two types: physiological and pathological. Physiological halitosis is often caused by temporary factors such as reduced saliva secretion upon waking, consumption of pungent foods like garlic or leeks, smoking or drinking alcohol, or poor oral hygiene. This type of halitosis typically improves quickly through oral cleaning, tooth brushing, mouth rinsing, dietary adjustments, or quitting smoking and alcohol, and does not require special medical treatment.

Pathological halitosis results from underlying diseases. Common causes include oral conditions such as dental caries, periodontitis, and gingivitis, as well as diseases in other organs such as gastritis, gastric ulcers, sinusitis, or tonsillitis. For this type, it's essential to first identify the specific cause and then provide targeted treatment. For example, dental issues may require fillings, teeth cleaning, or periodontal therapy to restore oral health; gastrointestinal problems should be managed under the guidance of a gastroenterologist to regulate digestive function; respiratory conditions require treatment of the primary infection. Once the underlying disease causing halitosis is resolved, the halitosis itself generally subsides.

In rare cases, if halitosis stems from severe systemic diseases or chronic conditions that are difficult to cure, treatment may be more challenging. However, effective symptom reduction can still be achieved by controlling the disease and enhancing oral care. Therefore, individuals experiencing halitosis are advised to first visit a dentist for evaluation, determine the exact cause, and then receive appropriate treatment—most people can successfully overcome halitosis with proper management.