Weird breath in a girlfriend, or anyone, often stems from poor oral hygiene (bacteria buildup), certain foods (garlic, onions, coffee), dry mouth, smoking/vaping, or underlying issues like reflux, sinus infections, tonsil stones, diabetes, or even hormonal changes. It's best to approach it gently, suggest a mint or brushing together after strong foods, and encourage regular dental visits, as a dentist can identify the specific cause, from simple lack of flossing to a medical condition.
Most bad breath is caused by poor oral hygiene. If you don't clean your teeth and your whole mouth regularly, food particles can remain in your mouth and a sticky buildup of bacteria (also known as plaque) can form on your teeth.
Viruses such as the herpes simplex (HSV) and the human papilloma virus (HPV) can cause infected oral ulcers which can also cause halitosis.
Causes of halitosis
Dental factors – such as periodontitis (infection around the teeth) or poor oral hygiene. Dry mouth – caused by medicines, alcohol, stress or a medical condition. Smoking – which starves the mouth of oxygen.
Poor oral health care
Without correct and regular brushing and flossing, and routine dental exams, food stays in the mouth. This is a breeding ground for bacteria. Food that collects on the teeth, gums, and tongue may rot. This causes an unpleasant odor and taste in the mouth.
Causes of bad breath
eating or drinking strong-smelling or spicy foods and drinks. problems with your teeth or gums, such as gum disease, holes in your teeth or an infection. fasting or crash dieting. some medical conditions, like dry mouth, tonsillitis and acid reflux.
Water will naturally wash away food particles, bacteria, and other odour-causing cells. Since bacteria survive off the leftover food in your mouth— simply rinsing after a meal will aid in fighting bad breath. Try drinking around two litres of water each day.
Bad breath is often a red flag for your oral health — and sometimes even your overall health. For example, chronic bad breath can be a sign of gum disease, which, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. It can also indicate cavities, infections, or even systemic conditions like diabetes or acid reflux.
Breath that smells fruity or like rotten apples, for example, can be a sign of diabetes that's not under control. Rarely, people can have bad breath because of organ failure. A person with kidney failure may have breath that smells like ammonia or urine.
In romantic relationships, halitosis can especially disrupt intimacy. A partner's discomfort can lead to subtle or direct reminders to address the issue, which may create tension or misunderstandings. Persistent bad breath can unintentionally harm closeness and connection, leaving both partners feeling uneasy.
Symptoms of Oral STDs
To begin with, is it typical for an STD to cause a change in vaginal odour? Yes, an unpleasant and fishy vaginal odour is a common side effect of STDs.
Bacterial vaginosis is an overgrowth of bacteria typically present in the vagina. It's a common vaginal condition that can cause vaginal odor. Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection, also can lead to vaginal odor. A yeast infection usually doesn't cause vaginal odor.
How to tell someone they have bad breath:
Bad breath can make even the most naturally fit or beautiful person seem unappealing. This is because your brain sees bad breath as a sign of poor personal hygiene and poor overall health. Not to mention the horrible sexual experiences that result from sour, smelly breath.
Have you ever wondered if bad breath is a symptom of an underlying oral or health condition? The answer is yes. And you may be surprised to know there is a link between bad breath and pancreatic cancer. However, there's no need to be alarmed because there are various other causes of bad breath.
Use Mouthwash. Mouthwash can help you quickly freshen your breath. This quick fix works by killing the microorganisms inside your mouth that contribute to bad breath. The minty aroma also helps to temporarily cover up any underlying odours, like tobacco.
Fetor hepaticus means “fetid liver” or “liver stench”. It's a type of chronic bad breath that's actually a symptom of liver disease. It has a distinctive smell — some say, like rotten eggs and garlic. It's a serious symptom.
Is Halitosis Contagious? Halitosis itself isn't contagious4. However, while you can't "catch" bad breath from someone, it's possible to contract the harmful bacteria that lead to it through intimate actions such as kissing, or sharing personal items like utensils or toothbrushes5.
Instead of saying how bad their breath is one day, offer praise for a particularly good breath day, to help motivate them to have more. Comments like 'that flavor of gum makes your breath smell good,' or 'I like that new toothpaste you're using' are easy ways to subtly alter your loved one's behavior, without having to ...
The odors commonly associated with bad breath include hydrogen sulfide, a gas produced by the bacteria that live in plaque, which smells like rotten eggs. Methyl mercaptan is caused by bacteria found near the gag reflex and in the gums and is often described as smelling like feces.
What does an alcoholic breath smell like? Alcohol breath usually has a somewhat sweet and sour odor, but it can also vary based on the type of alcohol consumed. Some might detect a scent similar to ripe fruits or fermentation, while others might perceive a scent similar to chemicals or solvents.
Along with the acid content in coffee, these compounds can produce bad breath. The beverage also causes dry mouth, which can worsen bad breath. Coffee-induced dry mouth is produced in part by caffeine, which is slightly dehydrating.
The single, unifying symptom for all individuals with alcoholism (Alcohol Use Disorder) is the inability to control drinking, often characterized by intense cravings and a compulsion to drink, even when it causes significant harm, with the core issue being a loss of control once drinking begins, leading to continued use despite negative consequences. While physical dependence (withdrawal) and tolerance are common, the fundamental commonality is this internal struggle to stop or moderate, a concept often called the "phenomenon of craving" in recovery literature.