US Medical Term · symptoms
Bad Breath
Mal aliento
Also: Halitosis (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Bad Breath |
| Spanish (Español) | Mal aliento |
| Chinese (中文) | 口臭 |
| Korean (한국어) | 구취 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Hơi thở hôi |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Mabahong hininga |
| Portuguese (Português) | Mau hálito |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ปากเหม็น |
| Japanese (日本語) | 口臭 |
What it means
Bad breath, or halitosis, is an unpleasant odor coming from the mouth that can be persistent or occasional. The most common cause is poor oral hygiene allowing bacteria to accumulate on the tongue, teeth, and gums. Other causes include gum disease, dry mouth, tooth infections, strongly flavored foods, tobacco use, and sinusitis. Medical conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, kidney failure, liver disease, and uncontrolled diabetes can also cause distinctive breath odors. Persistent bad breath despite good oral hygiene should be evaluated by a dentist and possibly a doctor to rule out an underlying systemic or dental condition requiring treatment.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have been told my breath smells bad even after I brush my teeth.
Me han dicho que mi aliento huele mal incluso después de cepillarme los dientes.
I notice a persistent bad taste and odor in my mouth throughout the day.
Noto un mal sabor y olor persistente en mi boca durante todo el día.
My bad breath has not improved with mouthwash or brushing.
Mi mal aliento no ha mejorado con el enjuague bucal ni el cepillado.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026