What does Halitosis Smell Like?
Do you have bad breath? You may have what your dentist would call halitosis. Halitosis is a common condition experienced by millions of Americans. So, what causes the condition and what can you do about it? Bad breath may be caused by something simple, like your diet, or it may be the sign of an underlying medical condition. It may seem odd, but the smell of your bad breath may be able to help you determine the cause. If you have had halitosis for a while, it may be time to visit your dentist to have an oral health exam and breath evaluation. Dentists are experts in evaluating breath and identifying the odor. Here is more information to help you identify what halitosis smells like and if you need to see your dentist.
Five Common Bad Breath Smells
Having bad breath in the morning, after coffee, or after a garlic filled meal is one thing. But if your bad breath is chronic and has a distinct smell, this warrants a visit to the dentist. One of the first steps in treating bad breath is identifying the cause of the odor. Your dentist can help you determine the best next steps, once they complete an oral exam and evaluate the odor in your mouth. Here are five common bad breath smells that may merit a visit to the dentist.
- Rotten Egg Smell: When individuals have a rotten egg smell, it usually indicates there is something going on with their digestive system. The healthy bacteria in the gut, the microbiota, break down sulfur in the stomach releasing an egg-smelling gas. Acid Reflux, or other digestive issues can cause this gas to come back up the throat.
- Sweet or Fruity Smell: Sweet or fruity smelling breath can be a sign of a condition called ketoacidosis. This condition is commonly a complication of diabetes or kidney disease. The smell is the result of acidic substances building up in the body.
- Moldy Smell: The nose, throat and mouth are all connected, so when you have a sinus infection, it can cause mucus and microbial buildup in the throat. This buildup can lead to a fungus or moldy odor being released when your breath.
- Fecal Smell: Breath that smells like feces is almost always the result of a bowel obstruction. When your bowel is backed up, the intestines can no longer adequately process waste, and this can cause a feces like odor to be released.
- Fishy Smell: A fishy smell is often tied to the functioning of the kidneys. Kidneys are responsible for processing toxic chemicals from the blood. Kidney damage or infection can be linked to a fishy smell due to an issue with toxins not being filtered properly.
Treatment Options
Bad breath is usually the result of poor oral hygiene and diet. However, bad breath can also be a sign of another health condition. If you have chronic bad breath, it is worthwhile to see your dentist and rule out any underlying health conditions. Your dentist will evaluate your breath and help you get started with treatment.
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