August 24, 2020
Most of us have been reminded since childhood about the importance of oral hygiene—not just to avoid cavities, but to keep your breath smelling fresh.
The causes of bad breath are usually innocuous. Morning breath is a common condition caused by dry mouth. Eating certain foods, like garlic and onion, or having old food stuck in your teeth can also lead to bad breath.
But for some people, bad breath isn’t the result of dry mouth or eating strong-scented foods. There are a number of health conditions that can cause the medical condition halitosis—commonly known a bad breath.
The worst part about having bad breath? Most people don’t even realize they have it. Other than asking someone, it’s worth keeping an eye on some symptoms associated with halitosis: dry mouth, excess plaque, white coating on the tongue, post-nasal drip, or a bad (especially metallic) taste in the mouth. If these symptoms persist after a good session of oral hygiene, they could be indicative of some more serious health conditions.
One of the more common health conditions that causes bad breath is gum disease. Gingivitis, the most widespread form of gum disease, causes the gums to become red and swollen. Untreated, gingivitis can progress to more serious diseases such as periodontitis. Persistent bad breath is an additional warning sign for gum disease.
Inflammation in the lining of the sinuses can lead to bad breath. This condition, known as sinusitis, can be caused by colds or allergies. When sinusitis is caused by a bacterial or viral infection, the post-nasal drip that accompanies increased mucous production can cause foul-smelling breath.
In children, inflammation of the tonsils, or tonsillitis, may be accompanied by bad breath. If your child has bad breath even after brushing their teeth and flossing, a visual inspection of the tonsils for redness and swelling can determine if this is a cause.
While the above health conditions are fairly common, Dysphagia, another cause of halitosis, can be more alarming. Those with dysphagia have difficulty swallowing, which can result in trouble with calorie and fluid intake. This condition can be caused by nerve and muscle disorders, or problems with the esophagus.
There are medications that can cause bad breath, most often because their use results in dry mouth. In these instances, dental hygiene and hydration are the best courses of action to keep bad breath under control.
There are some cancers, metabolic disorders, and kidney diseases that can cause bad breath. Chronic acid reflux can also be a cause. These are more serious conditions, but it’s worth ruling out more common causes of halitosis—especially as these conditions are likely to be accompanied by other symptoms.
If you suffer from bad breath, make an appointment with your dentist for an evaluation. If the dentist believes the halitosis is due to a more serious condition, they may recommend following up with your primary care physician to explore other potential causes.
Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. If you have, or suspect that you have, a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.
