Have you ever backed away from someone while talking or skipped a conversation just because of a bad smell when they exhale? Bad breath is a common issue that many people struggle to manage. A foul-smelling breath can be an embarrassing concern for many and is often a sign of dental or medical issues. Hence, knowing what causes bad breath is important. Fortunately, there are several steps to treat and prevent it and keep your mouth clean and healthy.
Keep reading to learn about bad breath causes and remedies. Discover the major symptoms, when to see a dentist, treatment options, and prevention tips.
What is Bad Breath (Halitosis)?
Bad breath or halitosis is a condition where an unpleasant odour is detected when a person exhales. It can occur from time to time or may be a long-term concern. It is often a result of poor oral hygiene and bacterial buildup in the mouth, though other causes are likely.
Not all unpleasant odours of the breath are alike. Different types of bad breath smells can give clues to the underlying issue, whether dental or non-dental. Here are the common bad breath smells and what they typically mean:
Smell of rotten eggs or cabbage - sulphur compounds released by bad bacteria
Metallic smell - dental problems like gum disease, or some medications
Fruity or sweet smell - poorly controlled diabetes
Decaying meat smell - serious digestive issues
Sour or acidic smell - stomach acids from acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Fishy smell - kidney problems
Major Symptoms of Bad Breath
A distinct, unpleasant odour from the mouth is one of the most obvious signs. However, depending on the underlying causes, you may notice other halitosis symptoms such as:
Persistent bad or bitter taste in the mouth
White coating on the tongue
Dry mouth or a sticky feeling
Burning sensation at the back of the tongue or in the throat (in some cases)
People may step back or cover their nose discreetly while talking to you
Often, you may not even realise you have a bad odour in the mouth. Hence, it only helps to visit a dentist regularly to properly check and manage the issue. It helps identify more serious problems like gum disease or digestive issues, if the symptoms persist.
What Causes Bad Breath
Identifying what causes bad breath is key to treating it effectively. The most common cause of bad breath in humans is of oral origin. However, non-oral causes such as underlying health conditions can also make your breath smell bad. Below are the common halitosis causes to look for:
Oral Causes:
Poor Dental Hygiene: Not brushing, flossing, and rinsing properly. It allows plaque (a sticky biofilm of food debris and bacteria) to build up and lead to various dental problems.
Bacteria Buildup: Harmful bacteria residing on the tongue, inner cheeks, teeth, and gums can overgrow amidst poor oral care. They release foul-smelling sulphur compounds, resulting in bad breath.
Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Dry mouth occurs due to issues with the salivary gland, mouth breathing, or due to some medicines. It is a condition where there is not enough saliva flow in the mouth. Saliva helps clean the mouth by washing away food particles and bacteria. Without enough saliva, food debris and bacteria build up, causing a bad smell in the mouth.
Tooth Decay and Gum Disease: Does tooth decay cause bad breath? Tooth decay results in cavities that trap food particles and bacteria, leading to a foul smell in the mouth. Gum disease, caused by plaque and bacteria, also causes bad breath. Persistent bad smell in the mouth is common in people with gingivitis or periodontitis.
Poorly Maintained Dental Work: Cleaning your dental appliances, like braces or dentures, through proper brushing or rinsing is essential. Otherwise, food debris and plaque can accumulate around them, causing a foul smell in the mouth.
Non-Oral Causes:
Some foods: Residues of some foods can cause a temporary bad smell. They include strong-tasting foods like garlic, onions, spices, and drinks like coffee or alcohol. They may affect your breath as they are digested. Depending on the diet, it may take many hours before the smell goes away.
Tobacco Use: Smoking and using other tobacco products leave a distinct, foul odour. It can easily lead to gum disease, which also contributes to bad breath.
Respiratory and Throat Problems: Lung, throat, or sinus infections, postnasal drip, and formation of small tonsil stones (tonsilloliths) covered by bacteria can cause foul-smelling breath.
Medical Conditions: Kidney disease, diabetes, acid reflux or GERD, and hormonal changes are also possible causes of foul breath.
Dieting and Fasting: A low-carb diet may release ketones, giving a fruity smell to breath. The digestive juices in the stomach during fasting can also cause a bad odour. Does lack of water cause bad breath? Yes, saliva flow is low when you fast or do not drink enough water. It can cause dry mouth, one of the common causes of halitosis.
