Bad Breath: 12 Possible Causes

The way your breath smells can give an indication of other health issues that may be hiding beneath the surface. At De Necker Dentistry we care about your oral health and urge you to pay attention to your body because it tells us so much and prevention is always better than a cure. Below we discuss the possible causes of bad breath, what to look out for and other possible symptoms.

Kidney Failure

A warning sign of kidney failure could present in the smell on your breath as having a “fishy” odour. This happens when your kidneys are not functioning properly and are not excreting waste as they should. It often happens in the last stages of kidney failure, referred to as, end-stage renal disease (ESRD). At this point, it’s usually treated with a machine that helps filter your blood, known as dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Liver Failure

A distinctive breath odour is noticeable when your kidneys are failing and it is referred to as fetor hepaticus. It is described as smelling like a mixture of rotten eggs and garlic. This can be a sign that your liver isn’t working properly because of advanced liver disease. It is important to pay attention to other symptoms including jaundice. This is a condition in which the skin, whites of the eyes and mucous membranes turn yellow because of a high level of bilirubin, a yellow-orange bile pigment.

Infection

An injury or cut inside your mouth has the potential to get infected with bacteria and may cause your breath to smell like rotting tissue. This may occur by accident when hurting the inside of your mouth or if you have had oral surgery or perhaps you’ve had a tooth pulled. The chances of infection are high when you don’t follow the exact instructions given to you by your dentist, post oral surgery or procedure. It is super important to take care of your oral health, the infection may clear up on its own but if not it can be treated with antibiotics. Rinsing with salt water is also important.

Dehydration

When you don’t consume enough water your may suffer from dehydration. When this happens you may not make enough saliva. Saliva production is important because it functions to clear out bacteria that forms in your mouth and this may then lead to bad breath. There are medical conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome and scleroderma which affect the glands that produce saliva, making your mouth dry and leading to bad breath. If you are experiencing this please contact a medical professional.

Snoring

If you snore or sleep with your mouth open your mouth can get extremely dry and this allows for the bacteria to flourish in your mouth causing “morning breath.” Snoring can also be a sign of sleep apnea. If you snore regularly you might want to consider speaking to your doctor to avoid suffering from dental or medical issues related to this condition.

Gum Disease

If you notice that your breath has a metallic smell and taste, you might have bacteria growing under your gum line. This may cause inflammation and lead to infection and is typically referred to as gum disease. This is more common in smokers and in those who don’t have a proper oral care routine. Book an appointment at De Necker Dentistry and let us help you fix this oral issue.

Tonsil Stones

Tonsils are small organs situated at the back of your throat that assist in fighting off germs. If food were to get trapped there, it may cause calcium to collect around it and form tonsil stones. Usually there is nothing to worry about but sometimes they can irritate your throat, and bacteria may grow, causing bad breath. You may be able to remedy this with a toothbrush or cotton swab. It is vital to brush regularly and thoroughly including your tongue. Speak to your doctor if this is a recurring issue.

Medication

Certain medications may be the cause of bad breath because they dry out your mouth. Medicines that contain nitrates that treat heart conditions, chemotherapy for cancer, and some sleep aids, release chemicals that cause your breath to smell as it breaks down in the body. Taking too many vitamins can have a similar effect on your breath.

Respiratory Infections

Upper airway infections such as sinus, colds and coughs can send mucus filled with bacteria through your nose and mouth. This can cause bad breath too. Usually once you're healthy again it goes away.

H. Pylori

This is a type of bacteria linked to stomach cancer and ulcers. It can cause bad breath, there are additional symptoms to look out for such as nausea, heartburn, stomachache, or indigestion. Paying a visit to your doctor can remedy the bacteria causing you discomfort and bad breath by prescribing antibiotics.

Diabetes

If you have this condition, it can cause damage to your blood vessels, reducing blood flow throughout your body, including your gums. If your gums and teeth aren't receiving a proper blood supply, they may become weak and more prone to infection. Diabetes may also raise glucose levels in your mouth, promoting bacteria growth, infection, and bad breath.

Acid Reflux

This condition makes stomach acid flow the wrong way, back into your esophagus which connects your throat to your stomach. It can give your breath a sour smell and cause bits of food or liquid to come back up into your mouth. The acid can also damage your throat and mouth, and creates a breeding ground for more smelly bacteria. 

Bad breath is never pleasant but it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have dental problems. It could be an indication of other health issues. There are of course issues like gum disease and poor oral hygiene that can defiantly impact the way your breath smells and we recommend booking an appointment at De Necker Dentistry. However, it is vital to be aware of your body because it will always give you signs of other types of health issues.