5 factors that cause bad mouth odor (halitosis)

If you're eating garlic soup, opened a can of sardines for lunch, or had a salad with red onions, your breath probably stinks right now. That was to be expected, and you are probably chewing sugarless gum as you read these lines.

But there could be other reasons behind your dragon breath that have nothing to do with what you are eating. In fact, now that you're constantly wearing a mask, you're probably paying more attention to your breathing than ever.

mujer mordiendo una naranja para la halitosis

Why does halitosis appear?

You have an infection

From strep throat to a sinus infection, some illnesses can cause your breath to be unpleasant.

It's called infectious breath . In the back of the throat, bacteria are killing the skin or inflaming the folds of the tonsils, creating that smell. Interestingly, only some people have the necessary olfactory receptors to detect the telltale odor of strep throat.

On the other hand, if you have a sinus infection, the postnasal drip contains an enzyme mixed with white blood cells that fight infection. The drip tastes bitter and smells bad too.

Consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis. Strep throat requires antibiotics for treatment. On the other hand, a sinus infection generally does not require antibiotics and taking them can be harmful. Home remedies like a warm compress may be all you need.

Acid reflux is present

Stress, eating fast, swallowing fizzy drinks, consuming a lot of caffeine in the morning, or drinking alcohol later in the evening can all lead to acid reflux. All of these things cause the sphincter in the lower part of the esophagus to relax, allowing acid or stomach contents to flow back to the upper part of the esophagus.

This can cause heartburn or, if the fluid gets high enough, lead to belching and foul-smelling breath.

We all have different triggers for reflux, so discover yours and then make small changes to your lifestyle to avoid them.

Onions and garlic are the usual culprits for reflux.

ajo causa halitosis y mal olor en la boca

Your mouth is dry

Saliva is a good thing – it washes your mouth, keeps food scraps out, and neutralizes acid. But if your mouth is chronically dry, it can't stay clean, and the bacteria that cause bad breath take over.

The condition, called xerostomia , can be a symptom of diseases such as uncontrolled diabetes or Sjögren's syndrome (an autoimmune disorder that affects the salivary glands).

Dry mouth can also be a side effect of more than 400 medications, including antihistamines, medications that regulate blood pressure, and antidepressants. The condition also puts you at risk for tooth decay, another factor that contributes to bad breath.

Keeping your mouth moist by drinking water, chewing gum, using over-the-counter saliva replacement sprays and gels, and using a humidifier at night can treat symptoms.

You have a cavity

Does your tooth hurt? There is something called cavity breathing.

Anaerobic bacteria that grow on teeth and in the mouth can get a peculiar and strange smell. Interestingly, this type of bacteria is also behind morning breath.

Along with pain, other symptoms of tooth decay include tooth sensitivity to sweet, hot, or cold. In severe cases, a pocket of pus forms, making facial pain, swelling, and fever worse.

There is a stone in the tonsils

Have you ever had your tonsils examined? The tonsils are built like the surface of the moon.

It is in these deep grooves and ridges where small pieces of food or debris can get trapped and eventually harden into calcium deposits. And these things cause halitosis. They can often be seen on the tonsils – they look like white or yellowish chunks the size of a pea.

You can swish with your mouth and gargle with water that contains a pinch of salt and baking soda, or gently use a long cotton swab to remove it.

If the stones cannot be removed, talk to your doctor for a recommendation of antibiotics.