Last Updated on June 5, 2022 by Nurse Vicky
Common Causes of Bad Breath? 6 things to know
If you’ve ever had bad breath, you’re probably familiar with some of the top causes.
These include GERD, liver failure, diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease.
But did you know that GERD isn’t the only medical condition that can cause bad breath?
There are other conditions as well, including cancer, thyroid disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Ketones can also be a contributing factor, including cancer.
GERD
Your baby is suffering from a condition known as GERD, they are probably having trouble feeding, and they may experience coughing, gagging, or chest pain.
A doctor may recommend proton pump inhibitor therapy to alleviate symptoms of GERD.
This medication is prescribed to prevent acid from regressing back into the esophagus.
The pH levels in the esophagus may also be monitored to ensure that the acid has not gone up to the larynx.
GERD medications come in prescription and OTC varieties.
Antacids and H-2 receptor blockers are quick solutions that neutralize stomach acid and alleviate symptoms.
Proton pump inhibitors are stronger acid blockers that work to repair damaged esophageal tissue.
They can be taken daily or every few hours as needed. They should be taken by mouth to minimize acid exposure.
Diabetes
Bad breath can be caused by a variety of things, from gum disease to allergies to lactose intolerance.
Often, bad breath is an early symptom of an underlying medical problem, such as diabetes, liver disease, or kidney disease.
Some of these conditions also cause breath to smell fruity or a bit like nail polish. T
o avoid this embarrassing condition, practice proper oral hygiene. If you are unsure of what causes your halitosis, visit your dentist or your internist for a thorough examination.
Avoiding carbohydrates is an obvious way to fight bad breath, but eating too much of it may have a negative effect on your oral health.
Cutting out carbs from your diet will drastically change your metabolism and may result in bad breath.
In addition, high-protein foods are difficult to digest and will result in a foul odor.
To reduce your risk of developing bad breath, eat a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of vegetables and herbs.
Sugar can also interfere with saliva production. Try to limit alcohol intake.
Kidney disease
There are several reasons why someone may have bad breath. Poor hygiene, dry mouth, diabetes, and kidney disease are just a few of the causes.
But, bad breath can also be a warning sign of a more serious medical condition.
While bad breath and kidney disease are not synonymous, a person who has the latter may experience the latter.
A recent study found that as many as 37 million people in the United States suffer from some form of kidney disease.
A baby may have a foul-smelling breath if there is kidney disease.
The kidneys filter the blood and remove waste products, which are harmful to the body.
They also balance the body’s chemical levels, keep bones strong, and control blood pressure.
Kidneys also help children grow properly. I
f your kidneys stop functioning properly, they may cause bad breath, which is a sign of a broader problem.
Liver disease
If you have noticed that your breath has a foul odor, liver disease is probably the cause.
The medical term for this condition is fetor hepaticus, which means “breath of the dead” and is a result of toxins from the liver making their way to other areas of the body.
According to Liji Thomas, MD, this breath smells sweet, musty, or fecal.
Liver disease can range from mild to severe but usually follows a predictable pattern.
In the early stages, liver inflammation can cause jaundice, fatigue, and digestive problems.
Liver tests can be used to determine the exact cause of bad breath. Eventually, however, the disease will progress to fibrosis.
Once the liver is damaged beyond repair, it cannot filter toxins effectively.
Dry mouth
Some people don’t realize that a few simple things can lead to a bad smell in their mouths.
Some people have dry mouth because of medication, snoring, or certain diseases.
Other people experience bad breath because of autoimmune diseases, smoking, or recreational drug use.
Some people suffer from dry mouth because they take medications for diabetes or use alcohol and tobacco. Regardless of the cause of your bad breath, proper oral hygiene is vital for you to prevent this condition.
There are a variety of treatments available for dry mouth.
Medications may cause dry mouth, including antihistamines and decongestants.
Other medications, including those for depression and high blood pressure, can cause dry mouth.
Insufficient nutrition may also cause dry mouth.
There are even certain medications for chronic conditions, such as Sjogren’s syndrome, that can worsen bad breath.
Tobacco
Smoking is one of the most common causes of bad breath.
The chemicals found in cigarettes allow bacteria to grow in the mouth and remain there until they are removed.
Because the mouth is always wet, bacteria tend to adhere to the surface of the mouth in certain places.
That means if you smoke cigars or pipe tobacco, you’re likely to have a higher likelihood of halitosis.
Tobacco products also contribute to bad breath because they dry out the mouth and promote the growth of bacteria.
Tobacco products are also associated with the development of gum disease, which contributes to halitosis.
While most people associate halitosis with mouth problems, it can be an early warning sign of other conditions.
Smoking increases the risk of cancer and heart disease.
Conclusion
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