Is Bad Breath a Sign of Illness?
Bad breath, medically called halitosis, can be caused by something you eat, or can signify an oral health issue or serious medical issue. The following are some probable causes of bad breath.
Causes of Bad Breath
* General Oral Health- Bad breath is often caused by poor oral hygiene. If you do not brush your teeth regularly, food particles remain in your mouth and a sticky buildup of plaque forms on your teeth. Your tongue can trap food particles and bacteria which can cause your breath to smell. Poor oral hygiene also results in cavities, dental plaque buildup, and gum disease which are also causes of bad breath. A consistent oral care routine with brushing, flossing, and mouthwash is the best defense against bad breath.
* Eating Flavorful Food & Drink- After eating certain foods, like onions, garlic, certain vegetables, and spices, odor-causing food particles enter your bloodstream and are carried to the lungs, where they affect the odor of your breath.
* Coffee and Bad Breath- If you enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning, you may have noticed that it can leave you with bad breath. Coffee can cause stinky breath due to its intense flavor but also the effect it has on saliva production. The caffeine in coffee leads to a decline in saliva production. Less saliva increases odor-causing bacteria.
* Alcohol and Bad Breath- Alcohol consumption is another source of bad breath. Drinking alcohol causes a decrease in saliva production, which allows odor-causing bacteria to flourish.
* High-Sugar Diets- Diets that are high in sugar and protein can also result in bad breath. A diet high in sugar leads to plaque buildup and bad breath due to how the sugars interact with the existing bacteria in your mouth.
* High-Protein or Low-Carb Diets- If your diet is low in carbs or high in protein, it can lead to bad breath. If your body does not get enough carbs due to diet, it changes your body’s metabolism as your body breaks down fats and proteins for energy, which can cause bad breath. Avoid this by eating a more balanced and nutritious diet including vegetables.
* Stress Can Cause Bad Breath- Anxiety-caused panicked breaths dry out your mouth and make the aroma coming out unpleasant. Stress-related fasting affects your digestion by starving your stomach of enzymes.
* Smoking and Smoker’s Breath- Tobacco products all cause bad breath and lead to much more serious oral health issues. They leave your mouth smelling like an ashtray and damage the gum tissue.
* Digestive Issues- Poor digestion, constipation, or any bowel disorders can all cause bad breath from your stomach.
* Dry Mouth- Saliva keeps your mouth clean by removing food particles that can lead to bad breath. If the production of saliva stops, bad breath is likely to follow. This happens naturally while you sleep, which is why you find your breath to be a bit stinky upon waking up.
* Prescription Medication- Many prescription medications come with the side effect of dry mouth. When your mouth is dry, and saliva production decreases, odor-causing bacteria thrives.
Symptoms Related to Possible Illness
Most bad breath is caused by odor-causing bacteria, but there are other health conditions that may be contributing to the problem. Constant bad breath can be a warning sign of other diseases or illnesses. Postnasal drip, sinus problems, respiratory and tonsil infections, liver and kidney issues, diabetes, as well as blood disorders can all cause bad breath. Bad breath can even be a sign of lung or stomach cancer or metabolic disorders.