Bad breath, clinically called halitosis, is experienced by over half of adults in the United States. Bad breath is often an annoyance with an easy fix; however, in some cases, it can be an indication of an underlying health issue. It is important to identify the cause of the problem to find the best solution. In some cases, the type of smell can help you identify the underlying problem.
What are the common types of Bad Breath?
How your breath smells can tell you a lot about what may be causing it. Here are the most common bad breath odors:
- Sweet or Fruity Breath: When diabetes is unmanaged or untreated, it can lead to a serious health condition called ketoacidosis, which causes the breath to smell sweet or fruity. Individuals with diabetes who have sweet-smelling breath should see a health care provider immediately. Another possible cause of sweet breath is a low-carb diet. When you don’t eat enough carbohydrates, it will cause your body to burn fat, which then releases chemicals called ketones in the breath.
- Breath that Smells Rotten: When breath has a rotten odor, there may be an infection in the mouth, throat, or lungs. Also, when proper oral hygiene isn’t maintained or when dentures, crowns, and other devices don’t fit properly, food can be trapped between teeth or in gaps in the mouth. Old, trapped food will cause bacteria to grow, which will eventually smell rotten.
- Breath that Smells Sour: Individuals with acid reflux or Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may experience their stomach acid coming back up into their esophagus, throat, or mouth. This acid causes the breath to sometimes smell sour.
- Breath that Smells Musty: Adults with liver disease sometimes have breath that smells musty. This smell is caused by organic compounds that build up in the body when the liver isn’t working properly.
What Else Can Cause Bad Breath?
Beyond medical conditions or diets, there are other common causes of bad breath, including bacteria in the mouth, smoking and tobacco use, dry mouth, and prescription medications. You can try to treat the bad breath yourself by focusing on improving your oral hygiene practices; however, the best first step you can take is to make an appointment to see your dental provider.
How Can I Prevent Bad Breath?
Maintaining regular visits to your dentist twice a year is an important step in preventing bad breath. This is because regular dental cleanings help remove plaque and bacterial buildup in the mouth. Bad breath is most often caused by something in the mouth or throat, so a dental provider is often the best person to help identify the issue. Bacteria, gum disease, cavities, dry mouth, and infections are some of the leading causes of bad breath. Practicing good oral hygiene and maintaining regular dental checkups are the best ways to prevent or treat bad breath. If your dental provider can’t identify the cause of your bad breath, the next step is to talk to your health care provider.