What Does Halitosis Smell Like?

Halitosis, also known as bad breath, can be linked to a variety of reasons that can be as simple as morning breath or as severe as liver failure. You should always consult a dental specialist if the foul odor becomes persistent, but there are a few ways you can tell if you have halitosis for specific reasons.

If you or someone you know is curious to see if you have bad breath, there are a few ways to test for it; the most common is having someone smell your breath for you. This can be a close friend or family member, or your dentist, as well, who can clearly identify an issue. Another is a lick test, where you would lick a part of your wrist or arm and smell the area for any odors. In addition, the floss check or swab check is also a viable option because they take the plaque from your teeth or tongue and gives you a chance to smell it more closely.

Different smells of Halitosis

The different smells of foul odors can indicate more clearly the underlying problem that causes the odor. Some can be expressed as:

  1. The smell of sulfur or rotting eggs signifies more problems with poor oral hygiene or signs of gum disease.
  2. A fishier smell can detect signs of kidney failure due to the fact that the body is having a hard time properly filtering toxins.
  3. A fecal odor can indicate a bowel obstruction, constipation, or even a more serious digestive issue.
  4. The sour or acidic smell indicates signs of the digestive acid coming back up, which happens in cases of GERD or other acid reflux cases.
  5. The musty or fungal smell can be linked to sinus infection or sinus blockage-related issues.
  6. A sweet, fruity, or acetone scent can indicate signs related to diabetic ketoacidosis.

Treatments for Halitosis

Keeping the mouth clean is the primary step to getting rid of bad breath, but further treatment may be necessary depending on the severity of the odor. When going to the dentist, they can refer to some different methods to further aid in getting rid of bad breath.

  1. For at-home treatments- A dental specialist can recommend that you use a special toothpaste with an antibacterial agent, or a mouthwash that also kills bacteria in those hard-to-reach areas that a toothbrush cannot reach. Making sure your mouth is moist by following a proper diet can also aid in better breath.
  2. Treatments for dental diseases- If you have or show early signs of gum disease, the dentist may recommend a procedure done by a dental hygienist to do a deep clean of plaque and bacteria from the tooth surface to below the gums as well. In other cases, they may recommend medications to take at home for certain amounts of time to fight off the issue that is causing the foul odor to accumulate.

During your dental checkup, be sure to inform your dentist about your bad breath to see if there are any underlying health issues behind it. It’s also important to make sure that you get your teeth cleaned at least once a year, and a proper oral cleaning routine to help fight off bad breath odors.

Related Article: What is Halitosis?