Bad breath is a pretty common issue and is often a result of something you eat or drink. It can become a problem if it is ongoing and does not go away with oral hygiene. If you do experience chronic bad breath, improving your oral care routine at home is the very first step, but if it does not resolve, it is important to see your dentist for an evaluation. They will want to know if you have any changes in your medical history, are taking any new medication, if you have had sinus issues or allergies, and if you breathe through your mouth during the day or snore when you sleep.

Is bad breath a sign of illness?

Chronic bad breath is referred to as halitosis and can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition or gum disease. Patients who have continual sinus infections or even tonsil infections can experience chronic bad breath. There are also blood and metabolic disorders that have bad breath as a symptom. Poor digestion, acid reflux, bowel disorders, and constipation can all present as symptoms of bad breath.

Patients living with diabetes often have a sweet smell to their breath. Bowel disorders can actually make your breath smell of fecal matter, so it is really important to address chronic bowel disorders to find the underlying cause.

Periodontal disease also leads to chronic bad breath and should be addressed as soon as possible. Periodontal disease causes inflammation and recession of the gum tissue, which leads to bone deterioration and eventually tooth loss. If it is gum disease, your dentist can treat that and instruct you on how to better care for your teeth and gums to prevent halitosis from returning.

What else causes bad breath?

A lot of foods that we consume regularly can cause temporary bad breath, and it is not something to be concerned about. Garlic, onions, alcohol, and coffee are some of the biggest offenders, but bad breath from these typically resolves itself once your body fully metabolizes them.

Similarly, those with a high sugar diet often have halitosis due to the interaction between sugary foods and the bacteria that already exist in the mouth. Patients who practice a low-carbohydrate diet may have metabolic changes within the body, and those who practice a high-protein diet can have bad breath if the body cannot process all of the protein that is being taken in.

Some prescription medications cause dry mouth, and because of the decrease in saliva production, bacteria and food particles are not swept away easily.

Additionally, stress and anxiety can actually cause a physical reaction within the body that includes bad breath. A lot of people do not eat regularly if they are experiencing a period of high stress, and those changes in digestion deprive the stomach of the enzymes necessary to break down and digest food. Those undigested foods ferment in the stomach and release odors that come up and out of the mouth.

If you experience bad breath that does not go away after oral hygiene, it is important to see your dentist for an evaluation. If they are unable to determine the cause, they may advise you to see your general doctor for further evaluation. Bad breath is not always a cause for concern, but it can be a symptom of something more serious going on.

Related Article: What Does Halitosis Smell Like?