Halitosis, usually just called bad breath, can be embarrassing. You have bypassed the onions or garlic, and it still has not improved. Bad breath can be indicative of an oral issue or medical condition, and not all bad breath is the same. The following are five distinct types of bad breath that require scheduling a dental visit soon.
Rotten Egg Smell
If your bad breath smells like rotten eggs, it could indicate a problem with your digestive tract. This is because your gut microbiota breaks down sulfur, releasing that egg-smelling gas. Common reasons for this may be Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD, which is your stomach acids creeping back up the esophagus, or other possible digestive issues.
Moldy or Fungus Smell
Sometimes microbial buildup, or an infection in your sinuses, will contribute to your bad breath smelling like fungus or mold. Sinus infections quite often create thick, yellowish mucus dripping from your nose or sinuses into the back of your throat. As you breathe, with an overabundance of these microbes, foreign particles, and metabolites accumulate, resulting in halitosis.
Fruity or Sweet Smell
Ketoacidosis, a diabetes issue, usually has a sweet, fruity smell on the breath. This is usually because if you have diabetes, you have inadequate insulin production which is necessary to create the burning of fats resulting in producing ketones. These ketones produce a fruity odor that smells like acetone. This odor can also be the result of chronic kidney failure, which is also a sign of diabetes.
Fecal Smell
As nasty as it sounds, if your breath smells like feces, there is a strong probability you have a bowel obstruction. A bowel obstruction is when stools begin to back up, causing your small or large intestines to not be able to process waste properly. If your breath smells like feces, and you have constipation, it is a sign that you have a bowel obstruction and need medical attention.
Fishy Smell
Your kidneys produce urine, and they remove toxic chemicals from your blood. If your kidneys experience damage and they can no longer filter this waste, toxins start to accumulate throughout your body, resulting in a fishy, foul-smelling breath.
Dental Care and Bad Breath
Much of the time, bad breath is the simple result of two simple things: either poor oral hygiene or a poor diet, including smoking. There are unique smells that are indicative of a more serious health concern. Your dentist is your first line of defense in addressing halitosis and treating your overall oral health.
How to Treat Halitosis at Home
If your halitosis is not horrible, you could treat it at home with simple remedies that help reduce and control your bad breath. Some of these treatments include:
- Consistently brushing your teeth twice every day for two minutes each time.
- Flossing your teeth once a day.
- Using mouthwash daily.
- Using a tongue scraper to remove bacteria buildup and food particles.
- Chew some mint leaves or fresh parsley.
- Chewing sugar-free gum.
- Avoid smoking and any food that causes your bad breath.
- Drinking a significant amount of water and using a specific mouthwash for dry mouth.