Is Bad Breath a Sign of Illness?
Bad breath, medically called halitosis, can be the result of something you eat, or can signify an oral health issue or medical issue. The following are some potential causes of bad breath.
Causes of Bad Breath
- General Oral Health- Bad breath is quite often caused by poor oral hygiene. If you do not brush your teeth consistently, food particles stay in your mouth and a sticky accumulation of plaque forms on your teeth. Your tongue will trap food particles and bacteria which will cause your breath to smell. Poor oral hygiene also causes cavities, dental plaque buildup, and gum disease, which are all causes of bad breath. Exercising a consistent oral care routine with brushing, flossing, and mouthwash is the best preventative defense against bad breath.
- Eating Flavorful Food and Drink- After eating certain foods, such as onions, garlic, certain vegetables, and spices, odor-causing food particles can enter your bloodstream and then carried to the lungs, where they will affect your breath.
- Coffee and Bad Breath- A cup of coffee in the morning can leave you with bad breath. Coffee can cause stinky breath because of its intense flavor but also the effect it has on saliva production. The caffeine in coffee reduces saliva production. Less saliva will increase odor-causing bacteria.
- Alcohol and Bad Breath- Alcohol consumption is a source of bad breath. Drinking alcohol causes a decrease in saliva production, which promotes odor-causing bacteria.
- High-Sugar Diets- A diet that is high in sugar and protein can also result in bad breath. A diet high in sugar can lead to plaque buildup and bad breath because of how the sugars interact with existing bacteria in your mouth.
- High-Protein or Low-Carb Diets- If your diet is low in carbs or high in protein, it can also lead to bad breath. If your body does not get enough carbs, it changes your metabolism as your body breaks down fats and proteins for energy, which will cause bad breath. Eat a more balanced and nutritious diet including vegetables.
- Stress Can Cause Bad Breath- Anxiety-caused panic breathing dry out your mouth and make the aroma unpleasant. Stress-related fasting affects your digestion by starving your stomach of necessary enzymes.
- Smoking and Smoker’s Breath- Tobacco products will all cause bad breath and lead to far more serious oral health issues. Your mouth smells like an ashtray, and it damages gum tissue.
- Digestive Issues- Poor digestion, constipation, or bowel disorders can cause bad breath because of your stomach.
- Dry Mouth- Saliva keeps your mouth clean by removing the food particles that can cause bad breath. If the production of saliva stops, bad breath will follow. This happens naturally during sleep, which is why your breath smells after waking up.
- Prescription Medication- Many prescription medications have the side effect of dry mouth. When your mouth is dry, saliva production decreases, and odor-causing bacteria thrives.
Symptoms Related to Possible Illness
Most bad breath is the result of odor-causing bacteria, but there are other health conditions that can be contributing to the problem. Having constant bad breath might be a warning sign of other diseases or illnesses. Sinus problems, postnasal drip, respiratory and tonsil infections, diabetes, liver, and kidney issues, as well as blood disorders can all cause bad breath. Bad breath can even be a symptom of lung or stomach cancer or metabolic disorders.
If you have consistent bad breath or you are in need of a dental cleaning and checkup, reach out today.