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We can't say exactly how many people have bad breath. Lots of people with bad breath don't bother seeing a doctor or dentist.

Although we can't say for sure how many people have bad breath, it does seem very common.¹ Some research suggests that about half of us get it at some point.^{2 3 4 5}

Most people with bad breath get it because of gum disease or bacteria on their tongue. About 9 in 10 people who have bad breath have this type of bad breath.

About 1 in 10 people who get bad breath do so because of an infection, such as tonsillitis or sinusitis.⁴

One study found that about 5 in 100 people who thought they had bad breath actually had pseudo-halitosis.⁶ That's when you think you have bad breath, but in reality you don't.

Men and women are equally likely to have bad breath. But women seek treatment more often than men.¹

You're more likely to get bad breath as you get older. That's probably because older people are more likely to have gum disease.⁷

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.