What causes bad breath in elderly people?
Sep 17, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Huijie
Introduction
Bad breath in the elderly may be caused by factors such as poor oral hygiene, dental caries, chronic periodontitis, rhinitis, or gastroenteritis, and can be improved through lifestyle adjustments and medication. If an elderly person neglects oral hygiene, food residues in the mouth may lead to bacterial growth, resulting in bad breath. This condition does not require special treatment; it is recommended to drink more water and brush teeth regularly.
In general, bad breath in elderly individuals may be caused by poor oral hygiene, dental caries, chronic periodontitis, rhinitis, or gastroenteritis. These conditions can be improved through lifestyle adjustments and medication. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Poor Oral Hygiene
If an elderly person neglects oral hygiene, food residues may remain in the mouth and promote bacterial growth, potentially leading to bad breath. This condition typically does not require special treatment. It is recommended to drink more water and brush teeth regularly.
2. Dental Caries
Dental caries are primarily caused by acidic metabolic products produced by oral bacteria that erode tooth structure. After eating, food may become trapped in decayed areas of the teeth, resulting in oral odor. Elderly individuals can treat dental caries through procedures such as fillings or inlays.
3. Chronic Periodontitis
This chronic condition results from bacterial infection around the gums, causing destruction of the supporting tissues of the teeth, alveolar bone resorption, tooth loosening, and even tooth loss. Common symptoms include bleeding gums and gum abscesses; bad breath may also occur. It is recommended that elderly individuals maintain good daily oral hygiene. When necessary, medications such as minocycline hydrochloride capsules or ibuprofen tablets may be used under medical guidance.
4. Rhinitis
If an elderly individual has nasal inflammation, increased secretions may result due to inflammatory stimulation. When these secretions remain in the nasal cavity for prolonged periods, they may produce an unpleasant odor, which could contribute to bad breath. Treatment may include taking vitamin A softgel capsules or Biyan Kang tablets orally as directed by a physician.
5. Gastroenteritis
Elderly individuals with gastroenteritis may experience delayed gastric emptying, causing food to remain in the gastrointestinal tract for extended periods and producing distinctive odors that manifest as bad breath. It is recommended that affected individuals take medications such as Niuhuang Qingwei Pills or lactic acid bacteria tablets under a doctor’s supervision to alleviate symptoms.
To accurately identify the underlying cause, elderly individuals should seek timely medical evaluation to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
