What Does Halitosis Smell Like?
Chronic bad breath that does not resolve with oral hygiene is referred to as halitosis. Halitosis is most often a result of poor oral hygiene and is a symptom of periodontal disease, but it can also be a sign of an underlying medical issue that could need immediate attention. Causes of halitosis vary, as does the particular odor that results. Your dentist will be able to determine if the reason you are experiencing halitosis is an oral issue or if you need to see your general practitioner to be evaluated for other medical conditions.
What does halitosis smell like?
Determining what type of odor and taste you are experiencing can help your dentist or doctor know what direction to go as they begin their evaluation. There are a number of odor types that will help determine the cause; some odors you may experience with halitosis include:
- Decay: Periodontal disease causes a specific odor on the breath that smells like decay and is referred to as “perio breath”. As bacteria invade the gum tissue and eventually the bone structure, those materials essentially begin to die and often emit a foul odor that does not go away with oral hygiene.
- Sweet or fruity: Patients living with diabetes can suffer from ketoacidosis, which causes sweet-smelling breath. The production of ketones is what causes the fruity odor and can be an indicator of kidney disease, and being able to tell your doctor that this is the type of breath and taste you are experiencing will help your doctor know where to begin testing.
- Rotten eggs or sulfur: Issues in the digestive tract, like GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), in which stomach acid washes back up into the esophagus, cause damage to the esophageal lining and make your breath smell sulfurous.
- Fish: A fishy smell on your breath can also be linked to kidney disease. When the kidneys are damaged and can no longer filter properly, toxins and waste begin to accumulate and can cause a fishy smell on the breath.
- Mold or fungus: A sinus infection can cause a post-nasal drip at the back of the throat, allowing microbes and foreign particles to become trapped and build up in the mucus, causing the breath to smell like mold or fungus. This will typically resolve itself as the sinus infection is treated.
- Fecal: A bowel obstruction can cause a fecal smell on the breath. When the large and small intestines are no longer able to process waste, stool backs up, and anything you eat remains trapped in the digestive tract. As the food in your digestive tract and the stool trapped in your bowels begin to ferment, it can give your breath a fecal smell.
If your halitosis is due to periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning to clear up any infection, as well as more frequent cleanings and improved oral hygiene. No matter what type of halitosis you have, it is crucial to your overall health to speak with your dentist to decide if it is an oral health issue or if you need to see your general doctor to find the source and then proceed with treatment as soon as possible.
If you are suffering from bad breath, consider an examination.