What causes dry mouth, parched tongue, and bad breath?
Disease description:
I often feel dry mouth and bad breath, which I didn't used to have. I'm about 39 years old. I'd like to consult and understand what might be causing dry mouth and bad breath.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Ding Yu
Dry mouth and bad breath may worsen. If a person experiences significant stress at work or in studies, or encounters negative life events, it may lead to "internal heat" (a traditional concept referring to bodily imbalance), causing tension and anxiety. At this time, saliva secretion decreases, resulting in dry mouth; the natural cleansing action of the oral cavity is reduced, and oral bacteria break down food residues and plaque to produce hydrogen sulfide gas, leading to bad breath. In addition, stomach fire, liver fire, or gastrointestinal odors can travel up through the esophagus into the mouth and contribute to halitosis.
