Why does drinking black coffee make my mouth smell bad?

Generally, drinking black coffee alone does not cause bad breath. If bad breath occurs, it may be due to conditions such as oral ulcers, gingivitis, or periodontitis, which can be relieved through medication or surgical treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Oral Ulcers

When oral ulcers occur, the reproduction of bacteria or viruses can lead to redness, swelling, and pain in the mouth, producing an unpleasant odor that may result in bad breath after drinking black coffee. Patients can use medications such as compound chlorhexidine mouthwash or cydiodine tablets under medical guidance.

2. Gingivitis

If a patient develops gingivitis due to poor oral hygiene and excessive dental plaque, inflamed tissues in the gums may secrete inflammatory substances, leading to bad breath and causing the aforementioned symptoms. Patients can take medications such as amoxicillin capsules or metronidazole tablets as directed by a physician.

3. Periodontitis

Periodontitis is an inflammation of the tissues surrounding the teeth. After irritating gum tissue, bacteria and their byproducts may stimulate the gums, thereby causing bad breath, making patients believe the odor is due to drinking black coffee. Supragingival scaling or subgingival curettage can be performed to remove dental calculus.

In addition, conditions such as suppurative maxillary sinusitis, rhinitis, or pharyngitis may also cause bad breath. It is recommended that patients seek timely evaluation at a reputable medical facility to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.