4 Bad Breath Symptoms That Signal Serious Health Problems

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Bad breath can be a sign of some serious health problems.

Most people follow oral hygiene rules to prevent problems like bad breath.

And while improper brushing can be a cause of bad breath, there are a number of underlying health conditions to be aware of. With the doctor in mind about the different odors that come from the mouth and what they might mean.

The dentist warned about four specific types of odors to look out for.

Bad breath

The medical term for bad breath is halitosis, which is thought to affect around one in four people.

Persistent bad breath can be caused by a number of factors, including poor oral hygiene, tooth decay, gum disease, or underlying conditions such as respiratory infections or diabetes. As with snoring, we may underestimate its importance, but it's always best to get it checked.

Sweet Breath

Fruity breath is one of the signs of ketoacidosis that can occur in diabetics.

A dentist describes the smell as “pear candy or nail polish remover.”

Breath with a fruity or sweet smell can indicate uncontrolled diabetes, and those who experience it should see their GP. People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing gum disease, and an infection can raise blood sugar levels.

Other signs of ketoacidosis include:

• Feeling thirsty
• Needing to urinate more often
• Stomach pain, feeling unwell or nausea
• Diarrhea
• Breathe more deeply than usual
• Feeling tired, sleepy or confused
• Blurred vision.

“Symptoms usually develop within 24 hours, but can happen sooner,” says the dentist.

Foul breath

This could be a sign of something potentially fatal.

Breath that smells like ammonia or urine can be related to kidney or liver problems.

Ammonia breath is a common sign of “more neglected,” “chronic” kidney disease.

“Poor health oral cavity is associated with an increase in the incidence of liver cancer, and when the liver is affected by the disease, its function steadily decreases.”

Other signs that something is wrong with your liver include:

• Feeling tired and weak all the time.
• Loss of appetite can lead to weight loss.
• Loss of sex drive (libido)
• Yellow skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
• Itchy skin

Foul or metallic smell

This smell should prompt you to see a doctor or dentist.

Foul or metallic breath may be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as digestive problems, respiratory infections, or symptoms caused by certain medications. If you notice such a smell, it is better to play it safe and check it.