No one really wants to admit it but bad breath and the low carb diet are indeed linked. In most cases, the halitosis is only a problem during the initial phase of most low-carb diets. A low carb diet tends to be an effective means of attaining short-term weight loss because it tends to induce a fat-burning state of metabolism known as ketosis. However, because ketosis tends to have a diuretic effect upon the body, it is possible to become dehydrated and develop halitosis due to dry mouth. If you do not increase your water intake to compensate for the diuretic effects of the Atkins or South Beach low-carb diets, then you will develop dry mouth and not be able to stop bad breath naturally with your saliva. However, as bacteria are still responsible for bad breath both on and off a low-carb diet, be sure to use good oral hygiene practices and some antibacterial dental product to keep halitosis at bay.