Health & Wellbeing

This is What Bad Breath Says About Your Health

Sheldon O.

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Bad breath doesn’t necessary mean poor hygiene, but it could be the symptom of an untreated disease. The smell of your breath can tell you an awful lot about different health issues you might have and which type of doctor you should see.

Below are 9 health issues associated with bad breath. Take note of these and make an appointment with a doctor if you think your bad breath might be a symptom of something serious:

1. Acid Reflux or Heartburn – Sour Smell

If your breath smells sour, then there is a condition associated with it – acid reflux. In order to control this smell and make it disappear, you’ll have to take control of your condition first. Also, changing your diet and excluding trigger foods such as garlic, alcohol, spicy food, and coffee may help.

2. Gum Disease – Rotting Teeth Smell

If you have a rotten tooth, then your breath will certainly be letting you know that something is wrong. If this is the case, then you need to make an appointment with the dentist. Gingivitis and periodontitis are the two main conditions associated with rotting teeth and bad odor from your mouth.

3. Stomach Cancer – Metallic Taste and Smell

A metallic taste in your mouth with a similar breath odor is a typical sign of advanced stomach cancer. However, it must be noted that certain medications can sometimes give similar smelling breath.

4. Diabetes – Fruity Smell

A fruity smell from your mouth wouldn’t be considered much of a problem if it weren’t for the fact that it’s a symptom of a much more serious issue. Such an odor only appears when a person is about to develop a diabetic ketoacidosis. Make an appointment with an endocrinologist if you notice that you have fruity breath.

5. Lung Cancer – Rotting Smell

Lung cancer is known to produce a certain odor in the breath that is often described as a rotting smell. Therefore, if your breath has changed and is smelling of something rotten, it’s time to visit the doctor.

6. Kidney Failure – A Fishy Smell

If you have a fishy smell when you exhale then it might mean that you have kidney failure. This disease is very serious, so putting off visiting the doctor is out of the question.

7. Lactose Intolerance – Sour Milk Smell

A sour milk smell is a definite sign of lactose intolerance, meaning your body can’t break down the protein in milk. Other symptoms include cramping and diarrhea.

8. Liver Failure – Moldy and Sweet Smell

A sweet mold-like smell means that your liver is not working well. Another symptom of this condition is the yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes. If you notice this, schedule an appointment with your doctor immediately.

9. Tonsil Stones – Dirty Diaper Smell

Tonsil stones accumulate in your throat on the tonsils, giving you breath that some people described as smelling like dirty diapers. One way to treat this condition is to visit a doctor – they’ll use a special medical instrument to get rid of the calcium and bacteria that has accumulated in your tonsils.

Source: brightside
Images: depositphotos