Having bad breath can be embarrassing and uncomfortable, but it’s a common oral health issue that affects many people. While bad breath is often caused by poor oral hygiene, certain cases of chronic bad breath may indicate more serious underlying health problems.
So whether you have occasional bad breath or chronic halitosis (the term for bad breath), let’s explore what less-than-pleasant breath can indicate about your overall health and when it’s important to seek professional help.
Poor Oral Hygiene
The most common cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. When we don’t brush and floss our teeth regularly, food particles can get trapped between our teeth and on our tongue, leading to bacterial growth [1]. These bacteria release foul-smelling sulfur compounds, resulting in bad breath. Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine, including brushing twice a day, flossing, cleaning your tongue, and getting regular teeth cleanings with your dentist can help prevent this type of bad breath.
Dry Mouth
Saliva plays an essential role in neutralizing acids and washing away bacteria in our mouth. When we have a dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, there isn’t enough saliva to keep the oral environment balanced. This dryness can be caused by certain medications, mouth breathing, dehydration, or salivary gland issues. A lack of saliva can lead to bad breath because bacteria thrive in a dry environment. If you frequently experience a dry mouth, it’s essential to consult with a dentist for further evaluation [2].
Gum Disease
Persistent bad breath can indicate gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Gum disease occurs when the gums become infected and inflamed due to poor oral hygiene, plaque buildup, or other factors [3]. Along with bad breath, other symptoms of gum disease include swollen and bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, and loose teeth. Seeking professional dental care is necessary to treat gum disease and prevent the condition from worsening.
Respiratory Infections
Certain respiratory infections, such as sinus infections, pneumonia, and bronchitis, can produce bad breath [4]. These infections cause an increase in mucus production, leading to a distinct foul odor. Other symptoms like a persistent cough or congestion may accompany bad breath in these cases. If bad breath is present along with respiratory symptoms, it’s important to follow up with a physician as soon as possible.
Systemic Illnesses
In some cases, bad breath can be a symptom of underlying systemic illnesses. Conditions such as liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and acid reflux can cause a distinct odor on the breath [5]. These conditions may disrupt the normal functioning of the body and affect breath odor, so it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional if bad breath persists, even with good oral hygiene practices.
Do You Have Chronic Bad Breath?
While bad breath is often temporary and easily resolved with better oral hygiene practices, it can also be an indication of underlying health issues. Do you have chronic bad breath? If so, it’s time to schedule a check-up with your dentist to see what the problem could be, especially if your halitosis is present with other symptoms!
Sources:
1. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/halitosis-bad-breath
2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/bad-breath-what-causes-it-and-what-to-do-
about-it-2019012115803
3. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/bad-breath
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3633265/
5. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/metabolic-disorders-that-cause-bad-
breath#metabolic-disorders-and-bad-breath
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