Is there a relationship between bad breath and kidney health?
Disease description:
Hello doctor, I'm 35 years old and have been troubled by bad breath for the past year. I've tried various mouthwashes and chewing gums, and have paid close attention to oral hygiene, but with little improvement. I heard from people around me that bad breath might be related to internal organs. I myself have chronic kidney disease and have been receiving treatment for some time. I wonder if my bad breath is related to my kidney condition?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Chao
Bad breath is associated with kidney function to a certain extent. The specific analysis is as follows:
When kidney function is impaired, especially when it progresses to chronic renal failure, the kidneys can no longer effectively excrete metabolic waste from the body, leading to the accumulation of nitrogen-containing metabolic products such as blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. These substances enter the bloodstream and reach the oral cavity, where they are excreted through the salivary glands. Oral bacteria then break them down into ammonia compounds, causing bad breath.
In addition, due to gastrointestinal dysfunction, patients with kidney disease may experience indigestion, acid reflux, and other conditions that can also worsen bad breath. Bad breath has multiple causes—oral diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, and respiratory conditions can all contribute to it, so bad breath alone cannot be used to determine kidney involvement.
If kidney-related bad breath is suspected, timely medical evaluation including kidney function tests, urinalysis, and kidney ultrasound should be conducted to assess the extent of kidney damage. In daily life, maintaining good oral hygiene, using antibacterial mouthwash, and regular dental cleaning are recommended. Dietary measures should include limiting protein intake to avoid placing additional strain on the kidneys and consuming more fresh fruits and vegetables to support metabolism.
