Bad breath not only makes the sufferer feel self-conscious when communicating, but sometimes it is also a warning sign of a potential health problem. Many people only focus on oral hygiene but forget that the real cause can originate from diseases inside the body.
Diseases That Cause Bad Breath
Bad breath is not always caused by poor eating habits or poor oral care. In fact, there are many diseases that can directly or indirectly cause your breath to smell bad.
1. Digestive Problems
Poor digestion, acid reflux or an imbalance in the intestinal microflora can all cause an unpleasant odor. When acid or undigested food flows back up the esophagus, odors from the stomach will escape through the airways. In addition, the overgrowth of bacteria or yeast in the intestines also creates odorous gases, affecting the breath.
2. Sinusitis and Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
Sinusitis, rhinitis, or pharyngitis can cause excess mucus to drain down the throat, creating a moist environment for bacteria to thrive. In the case of an infection, the thick mucus can retain odors longer, making the breath smell worse.
3. Diabetes
People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease and dry mouth. When blood sugar levels get out of control, the body can produce ketones. This is a compound that smells sweet or like ripe fruit, but at high concentrations it can be unpleasant. This is also a warning sign that diabetes is not being well controlled.
4. Liver Disease
When the liver is not functioning properly, toxins and sulfur compounds cannot be filtered effectively, they can accumulate in the blood and be released through the breath. The breath of people with liver disease sometimes has a pungent, strong, or fishy smell.
5. Kidney Disease
Kidney failure or impaired kidney function causes nitrogenous waste to accumulate in the body. One of the typical symptoms is a fishy breath odor, similar to the smell of ammonia. This is a warning sign that you need to see a doctor immediately.
Solutions to Improve Breath When the Cause is Pathological
Treatment of bad breath with lozenges or mouthwash is often only temporary. If the cause is pathological, you need to combine root treatment and lifestyle changes.
1. Examination and Treatment at the Root
Always prioritize visiting a specialist in the digestive, ear, nose and throat, endocrinology, liver and gallbladder or kidney to find the exact cause and treat it promptly.
2. Maintain Thorough Oral Hygiene
Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss and scrape your tongue regularly to remove bacteria. Even if the cause is internal, keeping your mouth clean will still help reduce odor significantly.
3. Drink Plenty of Water and Keep Your Mouth Moist
Dry mouth creates conditions for odor-causing bacteria to grow. Drinking enough water not only helps increase saliva production but also helps the body eliminate toxins.
4. Adjust Your Diet
Limit foods that are too spicy, high in sugar or high in saturated fat. Increase green vegetables, fruits and foods rich in fiber to aid digestion and reduce odor.
5. Control Underlying Diseases
If you have chronic diseases such as diabetes, liver disease or kidney disease, maintaining a treatment regimen, regular monitoring and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help limit the recurrence of bad breath.
