Halitosis — more commonly known as bad breath — can be embarrassing. In fact, bad breath can be indicative of a serious medical condition, and not all breath smells the same. Here are five types of bad breath that may merit a visit to your dentist, pronto.
Breath that smells of rotten eggs often indicates a problem with the digestive tract. Causes for this can be Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD, which occurs when stomach acids creep back up the esophagus, or other digestive concern. Ketoacidosis, a complication of diabetes, often presents in the breath having a sweet, fruity odor. The reason is because diabetic patients often suffer from inadequate insulin production that causes the burning of fats and results in the production of ketones.
These ketones produce a fruity odor that often resembles acetone. This same odor can be caused by chronic kidney failure, also a symptom of diabetes. The five most common types of bad breath people with halitosis have include:. More on Bad Breath : What is Halitosis? What Does Halitosis Smell Like? The five most common types of bad breath people with halitosis have include: Rotten Egg Smell : If your bad breath is close to the smell of rotten eggs, this may be an indication that there is an issue with your digestive track, such as GERD Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease , which can release egg-smelling gas when breaking down sulfur.
Sugar in the foods and drinks you consume feed your oral bacteria, which multiply and accumulate into plaque. Plaque then produces enamel-dissolving acids as a byproduct.
Daily dental hygiene helps prevent cavities and preserves the health of your teeth, so be sure to brush your teeth two times daily for two minutes each time and floss at least once a day. Typically, cavities are detected and treated by dentists during routine cleanings, which should be done every six months. Advanced tooth decay and plaque accumulation can lead to bad breath and a bad taste in your mouth.
Your mouth is warm and wet — ideal conditions for breeding bacteria. Over different strains of bacteria can be found in your mouth, mostly on the top surface of your tongue and in the crevices between your teeth. These bacteria cause the release of volatile sulfuric compounds VSCs , gasses that make your breath foul. A studies showed that approximately 80 percent of people who smoke have halitosis. Smoking itself can cause bad breath, and smoking can also cause mouth and gum diseases that worsen breath.
Saliva breaks down food and helps manage bacterial growth in your mouth. Xerostomia can lead to gum disease, cavities, and other odor-causing problems. In rare cases, a disorder in the salivary gland can interfere with saliva production. Because bad breath can make you feel self-conscious, there are numerous remedies on the market to correct it.
The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice daily for at least 2 minutes. If you have dental appliances, a device that uses water to jet away food, like a Waterpik , might work better than floss or tape. Some mouthwashes kill bacteria as they freshen your breath, and many contain fluoride to protect your teeth and gums from decay. Seeing a dentist twice a year is an important preventative measure.
Regular cleanings can remove stubborn plaque buildup that can be hard to get rid of on your own. Your dentist or hygienist can also show you techniques and devices for making sure you follow the most effective at-home dental hygiene practices.
Because bad breath is most often caused by something going on in your mouth or throat, a dentist can help isolate the cause. Treating the smell of your breath may require getting the medical condition under control. Smoking cigarettes and using chewing tobacco or snuff can increase your risk of many serious health conditions, including:.
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