Specialist names main causes of bad breath

Head of the Department of Allergology and Immunology of the Central Clinical Hospital of the Russian Academy of Sciences, allergist-immunologist, assistant of the Department of Immunology, Russian National Research Medical University, Evgenia Parshina, has named the main causes of bad breath.

Scientifically, bad breath is called halitosis, Report informs.

“It can be physiological and pathological. In the first case, it’s usually about the ‘aroma’ that appears in the morning and disappears after the morning hygiene procedures. In the second case, the appearance of such a symptom has specific medical reasons,” the expert is quoted by aif.ru.

According to the specialist, the main reasons for the appearance of halitosis are poor oral hygiene, caries, plaque on the tongue. The problem may also appear due to chronic tonsillitis or smoking.

An unpleasant smell is often caused by diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or the presence of Helicobacter pylori in the body, the immunologist noted.

Unpleasant odors from the mouth can be seen among people suffering from diseases of the nasal cavity and swelling of the mucous membranes, and inflammation of the adenoids in children, the expert said.

Some chronic pathologies can also be the reason for the emergence of unusual odors from the mouth, the immunologist said.

So, a person with diabetes may feel a fruity or apple aroma from himself. A similar manifestation is observed when, for example, the keto diet is followed. When starving, cells begin to actively use fats and proteins, including those stored for the future. While they decay, acetone begins to appear.

Kidney failure is another chronic condition that can lead to a foul smell.

With liver failure, the mouth may smell like rotten meat or eggs. It is because air containing hydrogen sulfide comes out of the digestive tract.

The smell of iodine from the mouth indicates malfunctions in the body. Usually, when such a signal appears, doctors send the person to be checked for problems with the thyroid gland.

A metallic taste in the mouth indicates the development of anemia.

Evgenia Parshina stressed that any extraneous aroma manifestations should be definitely identified by passing tests and consulting a specialist.