What causes dry mouth with bad breath?
Disease description:
I always feel a dry mouth upon waking up in the morning, and I can still smell bad breath after brushing my teeth. However, my tongue appears pink with no coating. What could be causing dry mouth accompanied by bad breath?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guo Huijie
Dry mouth and bad breath may result from a combination of various factors:
1. Physiological causes, such as insufficient water intake or excessive consumption of spicy and irritating foods, can lead to oral dryness and cause unpleasant odors.
2. Oral diseases, including dental caries and gingivitis, create environments conducive to bacterial growth. These bacteria break down substances and produce sulfur compounds, leading to bad breath.
3. Gastrointestinal disorders, such as peptic ulcers and chronic gastritis, may also contribute to halitosis. These conditions impair digestion and excretion of food, causing harmful substances to accumulate in the body and resulting in foul-smelling breath.
4. Certain systemic diseases, such as diabetes and Sjögren's syndrome, can also cause dry mouth and bad breath. For example, individuals with diabetes may experience rapid fluid loss, leading to dry mouth; patients with Sjögren's syndrome often have reduced saliva production, allowing bacteria to proliferate in the mouth and causing bad breath.
If symptoms persist or worsen, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly for professional diagnosis and treatment.
