Why is my bad breath so severe even though I'm not overweight anywhere on my body?

Sep 12, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I am not very overweight, but I have a serious problem with bad breath. I would like to ask the doctor what could be causing this?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua

Halitosis, medically termed oral malodor, is a common symptom that can be caused by various factors. Severe halitosis is not directly related to body weight or physique; its origin may lie in oral hygiene, the digestive system, the respiratory system, or metabolic issues. The following are some specific causes:

1. Digestive system problems: Halitosis may be a signal of digestive system disorders. When the digestive system is not functioning properly, such as in cases of indigestion or chronic gastritis, food may not be adequately digested or absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to bad breath.

2. High basal metabolic rate: Some individuals naturally have a higher basal metabolic rate due to their constitution, causing the body to store fat less easily and resulting in a slim physique. However, this does not necessarily indicate poor health, but rather reflects a higher energy expenditure by the body.

3. Diet and lifestyle habits: Unhealthy habits, such as long-term consumption of spicy or irritating foods or neglecting oral hygiene, can also lead to halitosis. Additionally, an imbalanced diet or inadequate nutrient intake may result in physical thinness.

Therefore, even if other parts of the body are not overweight, severe halitosis may still occur if the above conditions exist. It is recommended that individuals experiencing this issue start by improving their oral hygiene habits and, when necessary, seek medical evaluation based on their individual circumstances to determine the exact cause and receive targeted treatment.