What does halitosis smell like?

Bad breath is never pleasant and unfortunately, it comes in an array of smells! Halitosis can be a sign of an underlying medical problem that could need immediate attention so it is important to know what types of bad breath to look out for. Your Dentist can determine if you have oral problems causing your bad breath or if there is something else that needs to be investigated by your general practitioner or internist.

Here are some halitosis smells to be aware of and their possible causes:

• Sweet or fruity: A sweet or fruity odor is a symptom that a diabetic patient may experience when they suffer from ketoacidosis. The production of ketones is what causes the fruity odor and can be caused by kidney failure.
• Fishy: Kidney failure can also lead to a fishy smell on the patient’s breath. When the kidneys are damaged and do not filter waste properly, toxins and waste begin to accumulate and that is what causes a fishy smell on the breath.
• Moldy or fungus: A sinus infection can cause a post nasal drip at the back of the throat, allowing microbes and foreign particles to become trapped and buildup in the mucus, causing the breath to smell like mold or fungus.
• Rotten eggs: This might indicate a problem in your digestive tract. One such issue could be GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease, in which stomach acid backwash is up to the esophagus causing damage to the esophageal lining.
• Fecal: A bowel obstruction can cause a fecal smell on the breath. When stool backs up, the large and small intestine are no longer able to process waste and anything you eat remains trapped in the digestive tract. Fermenting food in your digestive tract and the stool trapped in your bowels can give your breath a fecal smell.

Periodontal disease and tooth decay can also cause bad breath but your dentist will be able to diagnose issues in your oral cavity if that is the source of the smell. Bad breath that is caused by poor oral hygiene can usually be remedied by stepping up your routine or having a scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) at your dental office. You may also benefit from incorporating oral care products that contain fluoride or antibacterial agents to help clear away germs and bacteria that can build up and cause plaque and bad breath.

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