What does Halitosis Smell Like?

Halitosis, which can also be simply called bad breath, can be invasive and embarrassing. For some, modifying your oral hygiene routines, diet and lifestyle doesn’t help improve the bad breath. In some cases, bad breath is an early sign of a more serious medical issue. Not all bad breath smells exactly the same. This article will review the different types of bad breath which may necessitate a trip to the dentist.

Rotten Eggs

Breath which smells like rotten eggs is often an indicator of an issue stemming from the digestive tract. Because the gut microbiota breaks down sulfur, an gas which smells like eggs is released. Causes for this can include Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD. GERD occurs when the acids produced in the stomach creep back up and come out through the esophagus.

Sweet or Fruity

Ketoacidosis, which is a complication from diabetes, often gives the breath a fruity or sweet smell. This occurs because diabetic patients often suffer from the inadequate production of insulin. This causes the burning of fats and results in the production of ketones. Ketones then produce a fruity odor which may remind you of acetone. A sweet or fruity odor may also be caused by chronic kidney failure, which is yet another side effect of diabetes.

Moldy or Fungus Aroma

In some cases, microbial buildups, growths, or sinus infections cause the breath to smell moldy or like fungus. Sinus infections can cause a thick, yellow or green mucus to drip from the nose down the back of the throat. When we breathe, a surplus of microbes, foreign particles, and metabolites build up and result in an unpleased smell in the mouth.

Feces

As terrible as it may sound, if your breath smells like feces, it is very possible that you may have an obstructed bowel. A bowel obstruction occurs when the stool begins to back up, and the large or small intestines are no longer able to process the waste. Breath that smells like poop, combined with constipation often suggests that you have an obstructed bowel.

Fishy

Your kidneys are responsible for the creation of urine. The kidneys also remove toxic chemicals from the blood. When the kidneys become too damaged to filter out waste, the toxins and waste begin to accumulate throughout the body. This condition can result in breath that smells fishy and unpleasant.

The treatment for bad breath is highly dependent on the underlying cause. Initial treatment efforts can include simple solutions such as an improved oral hygiene routine, tongue cleaning, the use of mouthwash and flossing. While there is some early evidence of patients having improved breath after using of a tongue cleaner, it not sufficient enough to draw a substantial conclusion. It is important to treat any underlying diseases which ca include gum disease, tooth decay or gastroesophageal reflux disease in order to properly address the cause for bad breath.

Dental Care and Bad Breath

For many patients, bad breath is the result of one or two different issues; the lack of or a poorly executed oral hygiene routine or lifestyle choices such as include diet, medication, or the use of tobacco. In some cases, certain mouth odors may indicate a greater health problem. Schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately if you have bad breath which is concerning. Your dentist can work with you to identify the cause and find a long-term solution.

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