Bad breath that won't go away
You brush, floss, and chew mint. The smell comes back within an hour. Other people may notice it before you do.
Breath that lingers often starts below the gum line. Germs build up in the small pockets between tooth and gum. They give off gases that smell like rotten eggs.
Other things can cause it too. A dry mouth, a sinus drip, smoking, or some drugs can all play a part. Stomach and throat problems are less common but possible.
When to see someone
Book a dental visit if the smell lasts more than two weeks. Go sooner for bleeding gums, a loose adult tooth, or pus near the gum line. Fever, trouble swallowing, or a neck lump calls for a doctor.
Below are remedies people have long used for gum disease, a common source of this smell. Each one has a grade that shows how strong the research is. A high grade is not a promise, so talk with your dentist first.
4.8
