It is common for adults to experience bad breath at some point in their lives. Bad breath can be concerning when it becomes routine, and daily brushing and mouthwash don’t seem to help. While there are some common causes for bad breath that are minimal or not concerning, there are more serious causes that may require medical attention. Below, we provide more information on what causes bad breath and what you should do if you notice you have it even after brushing your teeth.
Possible Causes of Bad Breath
Determining the exact cause of bad breath can be a bit challenging. This is because there are many different possible causes. Here is a list of the most common causes:
- Poor oral hygiene: Neglecting your daily brushing and flossing will eventually lead to a buildup of bacteria and plaque on the teeth that, over time, will start to smell. Food that’s stuck between teeth will also contribute to smelly breath.
- Gum disease: If you neglect your oral hygiene long enough, it may cause the development of gum disease. Gum disease is caused by the untreated buildup of plaque and bacteria that infect the gums and tissues supporting the teeth. Bacteria that are trapped along the gum line will cause bad breath.
- Bowel obstruction: A more serious cause of bad breath may be an intestinal obstruction. When a blockage forms in the large or small intestine, it can cause breath to smell due to the food trapped in the digestive tract. A bowel obstruction is a serious medical emergency. Beyond bad breath, common symptoms include severe bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
- Sinus infections: Sinus and respiratory infections, including bronchitis, viral colds, strep throat, and more, can cause bad breath due to the bacteria building up in the nose and throat.
- GERD: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common digestive condition where the stomach acid comes back up the esophagus. In addition to breathing with an odor, a person with GERD might experience mild or moderate reflux several times per week, heartburn after eating, difficulty swallowing, and regurgitation of sour-tasting liquid.
- Ketoacidosis: Adults with diabetes can experience ketoacidosis, a complication when the body produces a high level of acids in the blood. This complication is a medical emergency that requires hospitalization. Symptoms of ketoacidosis to look for include extreme thirst, frequent urination, dry mouth and skin, a distinct fruity-smelling breath, and extreme fatigue.
- Liver failure: Liver failure, either acute or chronic, may cause bad breath due to excessive dehydration caused by the condition. A person with liver failure might experience weight loss, jaundice, appetite loss, and edema, or fluid buildup in the limbs.
How Do You Treat Bad Breath?
The challenging thing about treating bad breath is that there are so many possible causes. Proper treatment requires determining what the cause is and treating that. If you recently noticed you have bad breath that just won’t go away, start by improving your oral hygiene and scheduling a visit to your dental provider. Also, pay attention to any other health conditions or symptoms you may be having. If you think you have a more serious medical condition, seek immediate medical attention.