Will quitting smoking cause bad breath?

Nov 14, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My husband has been quitting smoking these past few days. Today he mentioned that after several days without smoking, he's experiencing bad breath. I'd like to ask whether quitting smoking can cause bad breath?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Liwen
Generally, quitting smoking does not cause bad breath. If bad breath occurs after quitting smoking, it may be due to pre-existing halitosis that was previously masked by the smell of tobacco. Additionally, increased stomach heat after quitting smoking can also lead to bad breath. When bad breath occurs, it is advisable to visit a hospital for relevant examinations and choose an appropriate treatment plan based on the specific underlying cause.