What Causes Bad Breath in the Elderly?
Disease description:
Chatting with my grandmother, I noticed an odor coming from her mouth. What causes halitosis in elderly people?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Liwen
Because periodontal tissues in elderly individuals naturally recede with age, interdental spaces (gaps between teeth) develop. Food debris can become trapped in these spaces and is subsequently broken down by oral bacteria, producing an unpleasant odor. Additionally, viscous food residues may accumulate on the tongue, contributing to halitosis. Oral diseases are the primary cause of bad breath in older adults; however, other potential causes include peptic ulcers and chronic gastritis.
