Interestingly, we find that more people are noticing an unpleasant smell as they wear the requisite masks during the current COVID-19 pandemic. So it is appropriate to ask the question: Does wearing a mask give us the opportunity to smell our own breath?
There are numerous causes of bad breath. Many causes are harmless, but some conditions that can cause bad breath can be serious. Causes of bad breath include: Bacteria in the mouth Dry mouth Gum disease Food Smoking and tobacco use Certain medical conditions Sinus condition Gastric reflux (GERD) Diabetes Liver or kidney disease Acute rheumatic fever Lung abscess Blood dyscrasias Uremia Diphtheria, dysentery, measles, pneumonia, scarlet fever, tuberculosis Syphilis Hand-Schuller-Christian disease Scurvy Wegner`s granulomatosis Dry mouth When people are stressed, their mouth often gets dry Alcohol and caffeine — which people may consume when stressed — are diuretics that can contribute to dry mouth Without adequate saliva, bacteria can build up Poor eating When people are stressed, they may eat foods that can cause bad breath (foods high in sugar can cause bad breath) Smoking and tobacco use When people are stressed, they may tend to smoke or use tobacco, which can also cause bad breath and oral health problems Acid reflux Stress can aggravate GERD, which can result in bad breath Bad breath (halitosis) is an embarrassing problem of undesirable odor coming from the mouth. An estimated 65% of Americans have had bad breath and many people are not aware they have it.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent tonsil stones. Brush and floss regularly, and use mouthwash to help kill bacteria in your mouth.
At times, tooth extraction, dental implant, incorrectly fitted dental fixtures, wrongly performed root-canal surgery, and incomplete tooth extraction can also result in a foul smell. So, it is advisable to visit your dentist first for a check-up. Medical professionals should be approached only when advised to do so by a dental care expert.