What Does Halitosis Smell Like?
Halitosis is a change in breath that makes it unpleasant and may or may not signify a pathological change. It is a sign that some organic dysfunction (which requires treatment) or physiological dysfunction (which only requires guidance) is occurring. Halitosis is not only a disease, but also a change in physiological conditions, such as morning halitosis, which most people experience.
Symptoms and manifestations
If halitosis occurs exclusively in the morning and resolves after brushing your teeth, we consider the symptom physiological. At night, saliva production decreases, and anaerobic bacteria proliferate. After waking up and brushing your teeth, the unpleasant odor disappears, and this condition is normal.
Causes
Halitosis is generally associated with the existence of cavities and poor oral hygiene, but it can have other origins, such as respiratory (sinusitis and tonsillitis), digestive (gastric eruption, dyspepsia, neoplasms, and duodenal ulcer), and metabolic and systemic origins (diabetes, febrile illnesses, hormonal changes, dry mouth, stress).
Types of Halitosis
Physiological halitosis is related to decreased salivary flow during sleep; there is minimal saliva flow during sleep. This causes putrefaction of exfoliated epithelial cells that remain retained during this period, causing an unpleasant odor. This odor disappears after oral hygiene in the morning, restoring salivary flow to normal levels.
Halitosis caused by medication is due to the fact that some drugs can alter the sense of taste and smell, such as lithium salts, penicillin, and thiocarbamide, causing subjective halitosis, or can be excreted through the lungs. Some antineoplastic medications, antihistamines, amphetamines, tranquilizers, diuretics, phenothiamines, and other drugs cause decreased salivary flow, resulting in bad breath.
Imaginary halitosis, halitophobia, or psychosomatic halitosis occurs in patients who experience changes in their sense of smell and begin to believe they have halitosis, but other people do not detect it.
There is another type of halitosis, which is temporary and foodborne. This can be caused by eating foods containing garlic, onions, spices, prolonged fasting, or alcoholic beverages, as the metabolism of these foods and beverages produces acids and other compounds that are excreted through the lungs.
What can Halitosis smell like?
Pathological bad breath can also be observed after brushing your teeth. It can manifest itself in various ways, and the nature of halitosis depends on the underlying cause:
- A purulent odor can be observed with periodontal disease and pharyngitis.
- An acetone odor is associated with diabetes and dehydration.
- An ammonia odor with liver dysfunction and diffuse toxic goiter.
- a sour odor with fungal infections of the oropharyngeal mucosa.
In Conclusion
Halitosis can produce a variety of unpleasant odors, depending on its cause. Most often, it smells foul, sour, or sulfur-like, similar to rotting eggs. This is because bacteria in the mouth break down proteins and release volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), such as hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan, which are responsible for the characteristic bad smell.
In general, halitosis is described as offensive, lingering, and socially noticeable, which is why identifying and treating the root cause is essential for lasting freshness. Contact us today, and we will help restore your oral health and the beauty of your smile!
If you are starting to notice bad breath, reach out for an appointment for a dental cleaning.