Is bad breath a sign that something is wrong with the body?
Dec 05, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Liwen
Introduction
Bad breath may indicate underlying health problems. Oral diseases, such as dental plaque buildup on teeth, allow bacterial growth that causes bad breath. Digestive system disorders can cause food to remain in the gastrointestinal tract, promoting putrefactive bacteria and resulting in bad breath. Respiratory diseases lead to inflammation that irritates the bronchial mucosa, causing bad breath. Ear, nose, and throat conditions can trigger infections in areas adjacent to the mouth due to inflammation or bacterial infection, leading to bad breath.
Bad breath usually indicates an underlying health issue and requires further examination and treatment at a hospital.
Dental conditions such as dental caries and periodontitis can lead to plaque buildup on the teeth. When bacteria multiply excessively, they may cause bad breath. Digestive system disorders such as gastric ulcers or Helicobacter pylori infection can cause food to stagnate and accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in overgrowth of putrefactive bacteria and consequently causing halitosis. Additionally, respiratory diseases such as tuberculosis or lung abscess may trigger inflammatory responses that irritate the bronchial mucosa, leading to bad breath. Ear, nose, and throat conditions like sinusitis may also cause bad breath due to inflammation or bacterial infection in areas adjacent to the oral cavity.
If bad breath is not caused by frequent consumption of spicy or irritating foods or poor oral hygiene, individuals should seek medical evaluation to identify the specific underlying cause and receive appropriate, targeted treatment under a doctor's guidance.
