Does everyone with halitosis have gum disease?

Not everyone: Gum disease is not the only cause of halitosis (bad breath). Fishy foods, onions, garlic, scallions, fermented foods, coffee, etc..., can cause halitosis. Fatty foods may worsen stomach reflux, and send odors up to the mouth. Sinusitis infections can cause odors due to the mucus/phlegm in the nose & throat. Excess fiber or other "undigestibles" can lead to gas and odors coming out the other end.

Not everyone.: International research supports the clinical findings that most people with gum disease will experience halitosis often. The opposite is not always true, not everyone with halitosis has gum disease. It has to do with your body's response to those bacteria that cause halitosis. We call it in medicine "host response".

No: There are many causes of halitosis or bad breath and you do not have to have gum disease to have halitosis. However, advanced periodontal disease is a common cause of severe halitosis.

No: A lot of bad breath comes from the tongue or even further down the G.I. Tract or lungs. Always make good tongue cleaning part of your toothbrushing routine.