6 health conditions that cause bad breath

Heartburn

Usually bad breath is caused by bacteria in the mouth. Some people experience this condition due to digestive disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Common symptoms of the disease are heartburn and bloating, which can affect quality of life, interfere with sleep and eating habits.

High blood sugar

Breath that smells sweet, almost like sugar, can be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis. This condition is life-threatening and can cause heart attack or kidney failure. In addition to bad breath, other symptoms of the disease include frequent urination, nausea and muscle stiffness. This is often a sign that blood sugar levels are dangerously high and require medical attention.

Sjogren’s syndrome

Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) is an immune system disorder of unknown cause, characterized by symptoms of dry eyes, dry mouth and throat mucosa, and bad breath. This syndrome tends to appear in middle-aged women and people with other autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Young, healthy people can also experience this condition.

Tooth decay

Plaque buildup can wear down teeth, causing cavities. This happens when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that attack tooth enamel, indirectly leading to bad breath. Bad breath is a warning sign of gum disease.

Everyone should practice good oral hygiene by brushing their teeth twice a day and using dental floss to remove food stuck between teeth. Gargling helps eliminate bacteria and makes your mouth smell fresher. In addition to teeth, the tongue also contains bacteria. You should use a tongue scraper to clean plaque and accumulated bacteria. Each person should form the habit of seeing the dentist twice a year, stop smoking, and eating foods high in sugar.

Strep throat

Strep throat is a bacterial, not viral, infection that causes bad breath. The disease can be completely recovered with timely care and treatment within a few days. Untreated condition can cause complications such as tonsil abscess, rheumatic fever, autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders.

Everyone should drink enough water, which helps remove leftover food debris and also prevents bacteria from growing in the mouth. Lack of water in the body easily causes dry mouth, reducing salivation. The habit of chewing sugar-free gum reduces bacteria accumulation in the gums and tongue. Avoid foods that cause bad breath such as garlic, onions, kale, soda, energy drinks, alcohol, beer, prioritize green tea, herbs…