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Bad breath is generally caused by an abundance of bacteria in the mouth. This overgrowth of bacteria can be caused by a variety of reasons and result in such bad breath symptoms as bitter or bad taste in the mouth, coated tongue, white nodules on the throat and tonsils, and of course a foul smell.

Everyone experiences bad breath symptoms to some degree or another. For most people these bad breath symptoms are transient, that is, with proper oral care, the symptoms will go away.

A good example is bad breath first thing in the morning which is usually the result of bacteria built up as the body throws off waste during the sleep cycle combined with the drying of the mouth which allows bacteria to flourish. Transient bad breath symptoms such as these will clear up by brushing and flossing the teeth, tongue, and mouth.

Sometimes however, the bad breath symptoms are chronic and no amount of brushing or flossing will bring about relief. In this case it is important to consult a doctor to rule out any serious medical conditions which might be causing the bad breath.

One condition which causes bad breath is called xerostomia, and it simply means dry mouth. It is not a serious medical condition in and of itself but it will change the pH of the mouth and allow bacteria to thrive and multiply, thereby creating a constant state of bad breath.

Sometimes those with chronic bad breath complain of a bitter or metallic taste in the mouth. This can be due to bacteria present in sinus drainage, xerostomia, dental abcesses, or leaking dental work. Often, the excess sinus drainage is a result of an allergy induced post nasal drip.

If bad breath symptoms include the frequent clearing of the throat, then the problem may be coming from the sinus area which is the source of the mucous drainage. This mucous is typically full of bacteria and protein from the sinus cavity and is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria which will multiply and emit foul smelling waste products which get carried out on the breath. In addition to mucous from the sinus area, the tonsils can also emit fouls smelling secretions which are swallowed but still will cause bad breath.

Chronic bad breath is a serious condition simply because of its social implications. It can have a negative impact upon one's personal life as well as one's career. The first step in treating the condition is to identify the cause so it can be treated.

To do this, it is recommended to consult with a physician who can rule out serious disease such as liver failure or cancer, and determine if the cause is from the teeth or sinuses or a result of dry mouth which can be treated with artificial saliva. There are effective cures for even chronic bad breath, but the first step is to determine the cause.