Halitosis, or chronic bad breath, is something that mints, mouthwash, or a good brushing cannot solve. Unlike morning breath or a strong odor that can occur after a meal, halitosis persists for a long time and may indicate something more serious. If quick bad breath fixes are only covering up the problem for a short time, something else may be happening in your body, including:

Dental Issues — cavities and deeper pockets from gum disease give bad breath. Bacteria have extra places to hide in your mouth, and it’s difficult to clear it out when brushing.

Mouth, nose, and throat infections can lead to bad breath.

Dry mouth can be a cause of halitosis too.

Smoking and tobacco — smokers are also more likely to develop gum disease, which can also lead to halitosis.

Other chronic conditions — halitosis may also be a sign of gastric reflux, diabetes, liver, kidney, lung, or throat disease.

According to Ayurveda, digestion plays a crucial role in oral health. Ama or toxins in the body give off an unpleasant odor. The mouth is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. When food is not digested properly, ama is formed, and not only in the mouth. It accumulates in the body, clogging the microchannels (shrotas) and blocking the flow of nutrients to various parts of the body. This can weaken the immune system and make it harder to remove waste from the body.