Is Bad Breath a Sign of Illness?
Have you ever heard of halitosis? Maybe not, but you certainly know what bad breath is. While not a disease, bad breath (or halitosis) can indicate an unsolved health problem. And the problem may not even be in the mouth. These two terms are synonymous. Halitosis is an abnormal change in breath that becomes unpleasant. Occasionally, upon waking, bad breath may occur without it being considered pathological. However, if the problem is persistent or very frequent, it should be investigated.
Main causes
In most cases, halitosis is related to the formation and accumulation of bacterial plaque, such as a coated tongue, cavities, or periodontal disease (gingivitis or periodontitis). Bad breath can also be associated with digestive tract disorders or certain habits, such as smoking and alcohol consumption.
Although halitosis is the same in adults and children, the most common causes can be different. In addition to oral causes, the most common causes of halitosis in children include:
- Chronic adenoiditis
- Tonsillitis
- Rhinitis/ rhinosinusitis
- Nasal foreign body
- Reflux
- Some parasitic diseases
In adults, there are also other causes of halitosis that have nothing to do with the mouth:
- Chronic tonsillitis
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Halitosis in mouth breathers (due to a deviated nasal septum)
- Poorly controlled diabetes (hypoglycemia)
- Rhinitis and/or sinusitis
- Kidney or liver problems
- Tumor pathology of the mouth, pharynx, and larynx
Risk factors
There are some behaviors that can increase the appearance of bad breath, including:
- Poor/incorrect oral hygiene
- Use of alcohol-based mouthwashes
- Taking certain medications (for high blood pressure, for example) that alter saliva production
- Prolonged fasting (decreases salivation and increases fermentation and sulfur release)
- Anxiety and stress
- Smoking
What can happen in your mouth when you suffer from bad breath?
- Dehydration and dryness of the oral mucosa
- Decreased salivation (xerostomia), responsible for the mouth's natural self-cleaning
- Fermentation of food residue in the mouth (tongue and gums)
- Bacterial proliferation
- Release of volatile compounds
How to deal with bad breath
To prevent or resolve bad breath, there are a number of tips you can follow:
- Consult a dentist
- Brush your teeth and tongue thoroughly at least three times a day.
- Visit the dentist for cleanings
- Reduce your consumption of certain foods (such as garlic, onions, fried foods) and soft drinks
- Drink plenty of water
Please remember
Chewing gum isn't the solution. While it helps increase salivation, it only temporarily improves breath odor and doesn't address the underlying cause. If there are no symptoms other than halitosis itself, or if nonspecific manifestations are present, there is a possibility of systemic pathologies, gastrointestinal diseases, or endocrine disorders. Therefore, it is important to visit not only a dentist but also a general practitioner.
In conclusion
Bad breath (halitosis) can sometimes be a sign of an underlying illness. While most cases are caused by poor oral hygiene or certain foods, persistent bad breath may indicate health problems in the mouth or elsewhere in the body. It is important to make an appointment with us today to address your halitosis and make sure there are no other physical underlying causes by seeing your doctor as well. Contact us now!