What causes bad breath even after brushing?

Many people experience bad breath at some point in their life. It can be frustrating to have a bad odor on your breath which isn’t improved when you brush, floss, or use mouthwash. This is especially terrible for patients with breath that smells like feces. While there are benign causes for breath which smells like poop, in most cases, the issues that cause this phenomenon are quite serious and need medical intervention.

Possible Causes

There are numerous different issues which can result in the breath smelling like poop. These issues can range from minor things like poor oral hygiene to advanced liver failure. Some of the common causes for breath that smells like feces are summarized below.

Poor Oral Hygiene

It is possible for poor oral hygiene to result in breath which smells like poop. Neglecting to brush your teeth twice each day and regularly floss can make the breath smell. This is caused by plaque and bacteria which easily accumulates on and around the teeth. Food that is not removed through brushing and flossing can remain on the teeth which results in a foul odor on the breath.

Bad smelling breath can also be associated with gum disease. Gum disease is often the result of a patient neglecting to practice good oral hygiene. When patients neglect their oral health, it can lead to the overgrowth of bad bacteria that is found in the mouth. These bacteria ultimately causes the unpleasant odor on your breath. Dentures and dental appliances that are not cleaned properly can also be the cause of severe halitosis or bad breath.

Obstructed Bowel

Obstructions found in the intestinal track are considered a dangerous medical emergency. These obstructions can happen when there is a blockage that forms in the small or large intestine.

A blockage of the intestinal tract can cause breath smelling like feces. This occurs not only because of the feces which is trapped inside the intestines, but also as a result of the food which has been consumed being unable to move through the intestinal tract. Anything consumed while you are unable to pass a bowel movement, remains inside the digestive tract and will ferment.

Other than a bad breath odor, patients with an intestinal obstruction may experience some of the following symptoms:

  • Less of an appetite
  • Bloating
  • Abdominal cramping, swelling or pain
  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Vomiting

Extended periods of vomiting combined with the dehydration that follows, can also result in bad breath from an overly dry mouth. Saliva cleans the mouth and helps eliminate bad odor. When the patient is dehydrated, they do not produce enough saliva. Vomiting from an obstructed bowel can also result in breath that smells like feces.

Sinus Infections

Another health problem that can cause the breath to smell like feces is a sinus infection. Sinus infections can be from bronchitis, viral colds, and strep throat among other issues. When the bacteria move from the nose to the throat, it can cause a foul odor. Additional symptoms of sinus infections include:

  • Thick, yellow or green nasal drainage
  • Colds which last more than two weeks
  • Prolonged low-grade fever
  • Headache
  • Fatigue and irritability
  • Postnasal drip
  • Swollen eyes

While it is more common for children to develop a sinus infection following a viral cold than adults, similar symptoms can be present in both.

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