Bad breath could be a sign of a medical issue. The problem could be dental, or it might require the help of a medical doctor. It is important to know and understand why your bad breath, or halitosis, does not go away. Sometimes brushing your teeth twice a day might not solve the problem. If you are flossing regularly, using mouthwash, or have changed your toothpaste, and bad breath does not go away, it is time to consult a dentist.
Having a good relationship with your dentist and visiting at least twice a year could avoid future complications by identifying medical issues that are causing your bad breath. Identifying the dental or medical reason for your bad breath early will help fix the problem quickly.
Bad breath is caused mostly by sulfur-producing bacteria in your tongue and throat, but sometimes that is not the case. Having continuous bad breath could be caused by a medical issue. It is important to pay attention to continuous bad breath, especially if you have already tried regular methods to fix the problem. Changes in diet and staying hydrated can also help.
If your dentist has done all the proper exams and recommends that you consult a doctor, please follow through with your dentist’s recommendations. You need to follow through promptly with your medical treatment to solve any medical issues causing your bad breath. Waiting for treatment could make the situation worse.
Identifying the causes of bad breath caused by an illness
- Stomach issues: Acid reflux, diarrhea, bloating, and constipation are examples of gastrointestinal issues that can cause bad breath.
- Sinus-related problems: Lung infections, post-nasal drip, and sinus infections can also cause bad breath.
- Metabolic disorders: Diabetes is one of the most common metabolic disorders. Hemochromatosis and Gaucher disease are also metabolic disorders. These affect your insulin production, iron absorption, and create problems with your spleen and liver.
- Kidney disease: If you are experiencing foul smells when you breathe, your kidneys might not be filtering waste products properly.
- Liver disease: If your liver is not working properly, it cannot filter out toxins. Fetor hepaticus is bad breath caused by liver disease. This will allow sulfur-containing compounds to build up in your blood and be exhaled.
- Other medical conditions: There are other medical conditions, like some blood disorders, tonsillitis, and, on rare occasions, certain cancers, that can also cause bad breath.
Reach out for support
If you suspect that your bad breath might be caused by an illness, please contact your dentist as soon as possible. Check your diet and limit your alcohol consumption since these could also be causes of bad breath. Also, make sure you are brushing properly with toothpaste and flossing twice a day. If you suspect that your bad breath might be caused by an illness, please contact your dentist as soon as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, we are here to help. Please reach out to schedule an appointment.
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