Bad Breath and Your Health
Bad breath doesn’t necessary mean poor
hygiene, but it could be the symptom of an untreated disease. The smell
of your breath can tell you an awful lot about different health issues
you might have and which type of doctor you should see.
Below are 9 health issues associated with
bad breath. Take note of these and make an appointment with a doctor if
you think your bad breath might be a symptom of something serious:
1. Acid Reflux or Heartburn – Sour Smell
If your breath smells sour, then there is a
condition associated with it – acid reflux. In order to control this
smell and make it disappear, you’ll have to take control of your
condition first. Also, changing your diet and excluding trigger foods
such as garlic, alcohol, spicy food, and coffee may help.
2. Gum Disease – Rotting Teeth Smell
If you have a rotten tooth, then your breath will certainly be letting
you know that something is wrong. If this is the case, then you need to
make an appointment with the dentist. Gingivitis and periodontitis are
the two main conditions associated with rotting teeth and bad odor from
your mouth.
3. Stomach Cancer – Metallic Taste and Smell
A metallic taste in your mouth with a similar breath odor is a typical
sign of advanced stomach cancer. However, it must be noted that certain
medications can sometimes give similar smelling breath.
4. Diabetes – Fruity Smell
A fruity smell from your mouth wouldn’t be
considered much of a problem if it weren’t for the fact that it’s a
symptom of a much more serious issue. Such an odor only appears when a
person is about to develop a diabetic ketoacidosis. Make an appointment
with an endocrinologist if you notice that you have fruity breath.
5. Lung Cancer – Rotting Smell
Lung cancer is known to produce a certain odor in the breath that is
often described as a rotting smell. Therefore, if your breath has
changed and is smelling of something rotten, it’s time to visit the
doctor.
6. Kidney Failure – A Fishy Smell
If you have a fishy smell when you exhale then it might mean that you
have kidney failure. This disease is very serious, so putting off
visiting the doctor is out of the question.
7. Lactose Intolerance – Sour Milk Smell
A sour milk smell is a definite sign of
lactose intolerance, meaning your body can’t break down the protein in
milk. Other symptoms include cramping and diarrhea.
8. Liver Failure – Moldy and Sweet Smell
A sweet mold-like smell means that your liver is not working well.
Another symptom of this condition is the yellowing of your skin and the
whites of your eyes. If you notice this, schedule an appointment with
your doctor immediately.
9. Tonsil Stones – Dirty Diaper Smell
Tonsil stones accumulate in your throat on the tonsils, giving you
breath that some people described as smelling like dirty diapers. One
way to treat this condition is to visit a doctor – they’ll use a special
medical instrument to get rid of the calcium and bacteria that has
accumulated in your tonsils.