What causes bad breath that has lasted for several years, and can it be cured?
Dec 05, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Liwen
Introduction
Bad breath lasting for several years may be caused by periodontitis, indigestion, gastritis, or other reasons, and it is generally treatable. Treatment may include taking bifidobacteria, bacillus licheniformis, or similar medications under a doctor's guidance. Additionally, long-term bad breath could result from excessive stomach heat; in such cases, adequate rest should be ensured and consumption of irritating foods avoided.
Bad breath lasting for several years may be caused by periodontitis, indigestion, gastritis, or other reasons, and it can generally be treated.
1. Periodontitis
If dental plaque has invaded the periodontal tissues, causing periodontitis, anaerobic bacteria and spirochetes can ferment within the periodontal pockets, producing foul-smelling gases that result in long-term bad breath. Treatment may include taking medications such as metronidazole tablets or amoxicillin capsules under a doctor's guidance.
2. Indigestion
Persistent poor eating habits can lead to indigestion, which produces an acidic, unpleasant odor during digestion that is released through the mouth. Under medical supervision, medications such as mosapride dispersible tablets or domperidone tablets may be taken to enhance gastrointestinal motility.
3. Gastritis
Gastritis, often caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, disrupts the balance of gastric flora, increasing gas-producing bacteria such as Clostridium perfringens, resulting in excessive production of methane and hydrogen sulfide, which can cause chronic bad breath. Treatment under a doctor’s guidance may include probiotics such as Bifidobacterium or Bacillus licheniformis.
In addition, bad breath may also result from excessive stomach heat. It is important to get adequate rest and avoid consuming irritating foods.
