Bad breath - How common is it?

We can't say exactly how many people have bad breath. Lots of people with bad breath don't bother seeing a doctor or dentist.

Although we can't say for certain how many people have bad breath, it does seem very common.[1] Some research suggests that about 50 percent of people get it at some point.[2] [3] [4] [5]

Most people with bad breath get it because of gum disease or bacteria on their tongue. About 9 in 10 people who have bad breath have this type of bad breath.

About 1 in 10 people who get bad breath do so because of an infection, like tonsillitis or sinusitis.[4]

One study found that about five percent of people who thought they had bad breath actually had pseudo-halitosis.[6] That's when you think you have bad breath, but in reality you don't.

Men and women are equally likely to have bad breath. But women seek treatment more often than men.[1]

You're more likely to get bad breath as you get older. That's probably because older people are more likely to have gum disease.[7]

References

Sanz M, Roldan S, Herrera D. Fundamentals of breath malodour. Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice. 2001; 4: 1-17.
Yaegaki K, Coil JM. Examination, classification and treatment of halitosis: clinical perspectives. Journal of the Canadian Dental Association. 2000; 66: 257-261.
Meningaud JP, Bado F, Favre E, et al. Halitosis. Revue de Stomatologie et de Chirurgie Maxillo-Faciale. 1999; 100: 240-244. [In French]
Bollen CM, Rompen EH, Demanez JP. Halitosis: a multidisciplinary problem. [in French] Revue Medicale de Liege. 1999; 54: 32-36.
Tomas Carmona I, Limeres Posse J, Diz Dios P, et al. Extraoral etiology of halitosis. Medicina Oral. 2001; 6: 40-47.
Delanghe G, Bollen C, van Steenberghe D, et al. Halitosis, foetor ex ore. [in Dutch] Nederlands Tijdschrift Tandheelkunde. 1998; 105: 314-317.
Kleinberg I, Westbay G. Oral malodor. Critical Reviews in Oral Biology and Medicine. 1990; 1: 247-259.

Glossary

sinusitis: If you have sinusitis, you have irritation in the spaces formed by the bones around your nose (your sinuses). Sinusitis can cause a feeling of tightness or pain. You may also have a fever. You can get these symptoms when you have a cold or an allergic reaction or when you fly in a plane.
tonsillitis: Tonsilitis is when your tonsils become inflamed. It happens when your tonsils get infected with viruses or bacteria. Tonsilitis causes a number of symptoms, including a sore throat, pain when you swallow and a high temperature.
bacteria: Bacteria are tiny organisms. There are lots of different types. Some are harmful and can cause disease. But some bacteria live in your body without causing any harm.
infection: You get an infection when an , such as a or , gets into a part of your body where it shouldn't be. These organisms are so tiny that you can't see them without a microscope. An infection in your nose and airways causes the common cold. An infection in your skin can cause rashes such as athlete's foot.

This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.