Filtered by Oral Health Goal
What Diseases Cause Bad Breath?
Symptoms, Causes
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, could be caused by certain diseases which may not go away with simply brushing or using a mouthwash. Recognizing bad breath symptoms and understanding what disease causes bad breath is essential for long-term oral and overall health.
Diseases That Cause Bad Breath
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is one of the most common causes of bad breath. When oral hygiene is neglected, bacteria multiply and create cavities, making it easy for food particles to get trapped. This results in bacterial buildup, which not only leads to more advanced dental health problems like gum disease, infections, and abscesses, but also produces strong odors characteristic of chronic bad breath.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis—a serious gum disease—ranks high among the diseases that cause bad breath. It is caused by plaque accumulation. Uncontrolled plaque leads to the growth of bacteria and toxins that can cause bad breath, which requires medical treatment. There is even a risk of stroke and heart disease if gum disease occurs and therefore should not be taken lightly.
Excessive Acid Reflux
Acid reflux, or GERD, is another disease that can contribute to bad breath. Mental stress and dietary habits can result in stomach acid, leading to burping or belching, which may leave your mouth tasting sour and cause chronic bad breath. While antibacterial mouthwash may offer short-term relief from halitosis symptoms, it’s crucial to address the root cause of these bad breath health problems to achieve long-lasting results.
Tonsilloliths
These are calcium deposits that accumulate on the tonsils (lymph nodes). These are visible at the back of the mouth or on the tonsils. These white or yellow spots may enlarge. Tonsill stones cause pain and bad breath. Therefore, if you have sore tonsils, consult a doctor immediately.
Respiratory Infections
Sinus infections, bronchitis, or pneumonia cause mucus to build up, which helps smelly bacteria grow. Mucus from sinus infections can drip into the throat, causing a bad smell1. Long-lasting respiratory issues can lead to ongoing bad breath, and you may need a doctor to treat the infection for fresher breath.
Body-Wide Health Problems
Health issues like diabetes, kidney problems, or liver disease can change how your breath smells because your body isn’t processing things properly. In diabetes, high sugar levels can make your breath smell fruity or like nail polish due to a serious condition called ketoacidosis2. Kidney problems can cause a urine-like smell in your breath3. Liver disease may make your breath smell musty, which can be a sign of serious liver trouble.
Symptoms of Halitosis and Related Health Problems
Persistent Foul Odor
Chronic bad breath that doesn’t go away even after brushing, often worse in the morning.
Mouth Problems
Dry mouth, a coated tongue, or bleeding gums, which point to dental issues like cavities or gum disease.
Feeling Less Confident to Interact
Feeling embarrassed or covering up mouth when talking because others notice your bad breath.
Health Risks
Ignoring halitosis symptoms could mean serious problems like infections or gum disease, which might even lead to heart issues.
Other Body Signs
Feeling very tired, losing weight without trying, or stomach problems, which could mean conditions like diabetes or acid reflux.
Causes of Chronic Bad Breath Beyond Diseases
Improper Denture Care
Dentures that are not properly cleaned can cause plaque build-up, cause bad breath and other dental problems. Even with a suitable denture, there are still hidden gaps between it and the real tooth. The real teeth at the bottom could also suffer from tooth decay or periodontal disease that causes bad breath.
Smoking
Nicotine and other toxic chemicals in cigarettes ferment in the mouth and irritate the teeth and tongue. Smoking also causes discoloration, damage to the teeth, gums, tongue and mouth and affects taste. It contributes to bad breath as well. Quitting smoking is essential as mints cannot mask the smell of cigarettes.
Dry Mouth
Saliva aids digestion by neutralizing mouth acids and killing bacteria. Insufficient saliva breeds bacteria causing bad breath and could affect your social activities. Mouth breathing instead of nose breathing also causes dry mouth. To address the issues, you should seek medical treatment.
Unhealthy Diet and Habits
Too much alcohol and tobacco and lack of sleep, not eating enough fresh fruits and vegetables, and use of medication increase the body's acidity and cause bad breath. Besides, sugary and stinky foods not only cause bad breath but also body odor. Eating foods high in protein, high fat, fried and acidic foods, sweets, carbonated drinks, spicy and irritating foods, etc., is one of the common reasons for bad breath. Conversely, celery, coriander, ginger, and mint have a fresh scent and cleansing effect. Also, stay hydrated with plain water to keep your oral cavity moist.
Practical Tips to Manage Bad Breath (Halitosis) Symptoms
Take the following tips into consideration if you're looking for a bad breath cure or want to know how to get rid of bad breath:
Maintain regular dental check-ups
Use an antibacterial mouthwash
Stay hydrated to avoid dry mouth
Quit smoking to cut down on mouth bacteria and improve breath
Follow a healthy and balanced diet and avoid foods that cause bad breath
See a doctor for lung, stomach, or body-wide diseases that cause bad breath
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