Is Bad Breath a Sign of Illness?
In most cases, having bad breath is an awkward inconvenience and not something to worry too much about. Halitosis, or chronic bad breath, is a very common condition experienced by adults. However, in some cases, bad breath is a sign of underlying health condition. If you have bad breath, it may be worthwhile to have a talk with your dentist to determine the cause of condition and to rule out any other more serious illnesses. Below is more information on the possible causes of chronic bad breath.
Common Causes of Bad Breath
If you have halitosis, there are a number of possible causes of your condition. While most causes are less severe, bad breath has also been linked to more severe medical conditions. In order to rule out any severe condition or illness, you should consult a dental professional. Here are some examples of more common causes of bad breath:
- Poor daily hygiene: Failing to brush and floss your teeth daily can result in the buildup of plaque, or bacteria, on and in-between the teeth. Bacteria and food stuck between teeth can cause unpleasant odors to develop.
- Gum disease: Gum disease is caused by neglecting to keep the teeth clean. When gum disease advances, the gums pull away from the teeth creating pockets between the teeth and gums that can fill with odor-causing bacteria.
- Excess alcohol or coffee: Drinking alcohol or coffee in excess can result in the decrease of saliva production. Saliva plays a major role in helping keep the mouth clean. A mouth with not enough saliva is a great place for odor-causing bacteria to grow.
- Dehydration and dry-mouth: If you regularly don’t drink enough water, you may not have enough saliva in your mouth. Being hydrated is key to saliva production.
- High sugar or high protein diets: Diets that are high in sugar are a major culprit of bad breath. Bacteria that lives in the mouth feeds off of sugar. Similarly, not eating enough carbohydrates can create issues with metabolism. High protein diets can be difficult to digest and metabolize if there are not sufficient carbohydrates in the diet.
- Digestive issues: Bad breath may be another symptom of poor gut health and issues with digestion. If you have acid reflux or have bowel disorders, you may experience bad breath frequently.
- Prescription medications: A common symptom of many prescription medications is dry mouth and halitosis. As described, dry mouth results in a lack of saliva in the mouth and is commonly followed by halitosis. You should let your primary care doctor you are having this side effect and they may be able to change your medication.
- Sinus Infections: When a sinus infection (bacteria) or respiratory infection moves into your throat, it can cause an unpleasant odor. If you have had several infections recently, this may be the cause of your bad breath.
Treatment Options for Bad Breath
If any of these situations describe you, you may be able to make some small changes to help treat your bad breath. Increasing your daily hygiene practice or how much water you drink are small changes that can go a long way. If you have suffered from halitosis for a while it is not too late to go to the dentist and start discussing treatment options today. You may be surprised that a quick discussion can cure your bad breath for good.
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