Overview

• Official data from the Federal Council of Dentistry estimate that about 30% of Brazilians—roughly 60.9 million people—live with halitosis.
• Guidance emphasizes seeing a dentist first for diagnostic workups, with referrals to ENT or gastroenterology when extraoral causes are suspected.
• Specialists clarify that genetics does not directly cause bad breath but can raise risk by predisposing individuals to periodontal disease, salivary traits, and respiratory or gastrointestinal disorders.
• The Associação Brasileira de Halitose and dental councils are running a national awareness effort from September 22 to October 25, including outreach, education and the anonymous SOS Mau Hálito tool to encourage diagnosis and reduce stigma.
• Prevention and treatment focus on daily tongue cleaning along with brushing and flossing, hydration and management of dry mouth, plus regular dental visits, and clinicians note that olfactory fatigue and subjective halitosis can complicate self-recognition.