Is bad breath a sign of illness?

The most common cause of bad breath is bacteria in the mouth. That being said, there are some health conditions that can be linked to bad breath. Patients with sinus infections or diabetes, tonsil infections and even certain blood disorders can all have bad breath. Bad breath can even be a sign of a metabolic disorder or in rare instances, a sign of cancer.

Though bad breath can be a warning sign of something more serious, it is most commonly caused by other factors that can be managed. Below are the more common causes of halitosis and how you can prevent it.

Oral Hygiene

Poor oral hygiene is the biggest culprit when it comes to bad breath. Without regular brushing and flossing, bacteria can build up in your mouth and cause sticky plaque which can lead to periodontal disease and tooth decay. To make sure you are taking care of your mouth, it is important to brush at least twice daily and floss at least once a day. You might consider using oral care products that contain antibacterial agents.

Food and Drink

Most people are familiar with the guilty parties in the food and beverage category that give you bad breath: garlic, onions, coffee, and alcohol to name a few. While most realize that these items cause bad breath immediately, they can actually stick with you for days after. Odor causing food particles are absorbed into the bloodstream and are eventually carried to the lungs where every time you exhale, the food you eat can be smelled!

Caffeine and alcohol can actually lead to a decrease in saliva production which leads to dry mouth and bad breath so your morning coffee and evening martini could be allowing odor-causing bacteria to develop.

In addition to strong foods, patients with diets that are high in protein or sugar or are low in carbohydrates can all find that they struggle with bad breath. High-sugar diets can lead to halitosis because of the interaction between sugar and bacteria that is already existing in your mouth. Bacteria loves sugar and will feed on it  and flourish, causing bad breath.

Low-carb diets can lead to bad breath because of metabolic changes in your body when it does not receive enough carbohydrates. High-protein diets can also cause bad breath. If your body is taking in more protein than it can process, sulfurous gases are released.

Smoking

Tobacco products are not good for your body and are certainly not good for the health of your mouth. They cause bad breath and can lead to other oral health issues such as gum disease.

Medication and Dry Mouth

Saliva keeps your mouth clean and helps remove food particles but some medications have a side effect of dry mouth. The chemicals released when medications break down are carried into your bloodstream and can cause bad breath. Additionally, some medications can cause a decrease in saliva production.

Digestive Problems

Bowel disorders, poor digestion, acid reflux, and constipation can all cause bad breath.

If you are experiencing bad breath on a regular basis, it’s important to speak with your dentist to see if they can determine the cause.

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