Is there really a significant connection between bad breath and low carb diet? While diet is not the major cause of bad breath, health reports show that diet and bad breath go hand-in-hand especially on low carb plans. A low carb diet does not lead to chronic halitosis but there is a very good reason why short term issues arise when adhering to plans like Atkins or South Beach. Chronic halitosis or bad breath, however is not a huge concern if you are on a low carb diet because most plans gradually increase carbohydrate intake once weight loss goals are met. However, you will still be likely to have bad breath problems during the initial periods of rapid weight loss on most low carb diet plans.