Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a condition that can be embarrassing and difficult to deal with. Thankfully, there are several ways to combat bad breath. The practice of good oral hygiene by brushing and simple flossing is one. This helps to remove food particles and bacteria that can cause bad breath. In addition, avoiding foods that are known to cause bad breath, such as garlic and onions, can also help. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day is also a solution. This will help flush out your system and keep your mouth moist, reducing the risk of bad breath.
However, there are some cases where bad breath can indicate a more severe condition. This is the part that you should not ignore. If you have bad breath that does not go away with the remedies mentioned above, it is essential to see your doctor. This is because bad breath can sometimes signify an underlying health condition. Below are some of how your bad breath may be telling you something about your health.
1. Diabetes
If you are experiencing unusually foul-smelling breath, this may signify diabetes. You may ask what diabetes has to do with bad breath. Here’s an explanation. When you have diabetes, your body cannot properly break down sugars. This can lead to a buildup of acids in your blood, which can cause your breath to take on a sweet, fruity smell.
In addition, diabetes can also cause dry mouth, leading to a buildup of bacteria and an increase in bad breath. If you are experiencing unusually foul-smelling breath, it is vital to see a doctor, as this may be a sign of diabetes. In addition to bad breath, other symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to see a doctor to be correctly diagnosed and treated.
2. Dentures
One common but often overlooked side effect of using dentures is bad breath. This occurs when food particles and bacteria become trapped beneath the prosthetics, causing them to break down and release foul-smelling odors. It is essential to clean your dentures regularly to prevent this from happening carefully. You can do this by thoroughly rinsing with water or taking them out and placing them in a cleaning solution overnight.
By practicing good oral hygiene and being mindful of what you eat while using dentures, you can maintain fresh breath and reduce the risk of foul odor associated with these prosthetics. As an alternative, you can choose dental implants, which aren’t that prone to side effects like bad breath, unlike dentures.
3. Gum disease
Gum disease is another common contributor to bad breath. The bacteria that live within the plaque on your teeth can release foul-smelling chemicals that cause bad breath. In addition, gum disease can also cause your gums to become inflamed and bleed easily. This can also lead to an increase in bad breath. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to see a dentist so that you can be examined.
4. Acid reflux
Acid reflux is a fairly common condition that can cause bad breath. This condition occurs when stomach acid leaks through your esophagus, leading to unpleasant odors coming from your mouth. A chronic condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD can also cause bad breath. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to see a doctor to be correctly diagnosed and treated.
Suppose you are experiencing chronic bad breath and acid reflux symptoms such as heartburn and indigestion. In that case, it is vital to see a doctor, as this may signify a more severe condition.
5. Kidney disease
Kidney disease can also cause bad breath. The kidneys are responsible for filtering out toxins from your body. When they are not functioning correctly, these toxins can build up in your blood and cause your breath to take on a foul smell. Suppose you are experiencing bad breath and other kidney disease symptoms such as fatigue, decreased urination, and swelling in the legs and feet. In that case, it is essential to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Bad breath is often nothing more than an unpleasant side effect of poor oral hygiene, but it can also be a sign of underlying health conditions. By being mindful of your oral health and paying attention to any changes in your breath, you can reduce the risk of developing severe health problems and maintain a fresh breath throughout the day.