Persistent bad breath: a warning sign of many underlying diseases

Many people suffer from persistent bad breath, despite trying many ways to eliminate the odor. In fact, bad breath is not only a problem related to oral hygiene but can be a manifestation of systemic disorders such as ear, nose and throat diseases, digestive, endocrine, lung diseases ... or even due to nutritional imbalance.

A comprehensive treatment approach – combining multiple specialties – is needed to address the root cause of the problem, while also detecting more serious conditions early.

Loss of confidence due to persistent bad breath

Suffering and losing confidence because of bad breath despite regular oral hygiene… is a feeling that many people are experiencing. On a forum called “Bad Breath Hate Association” with 10,000 members, many individuals shared their “hard to say” feelings.

A postpartum woman had bad breath, brushing her teeth 3 times a day did not help, making her self-conscious and afraid to communicate. Another member confided that she herself felt the bad breath, "every time I go somewhere, I feel like I am guilty towards others"...

People with bad breath share that they apply many measures such as brushing their teeth many times a day - even to the point of wearing down the tooth neck, using mouthwash, chewing mints, applying folk remedies... but the bad smell still persists. The obsession with bad breath makes them cover their mouths when speaking, afraid to express their opinions in group meetings. They lose opportunities when creating an uncomfortable feeling in interviews, lack of confidence when communicating with partners and customers. Many people even do not have enough courage to date...

Bad breath makes many people avoid communication and withdraw because of inferiority complex.

Photo: Freepik

Breath odor: a warning of potential illness

According to Dr. Nguyen Thanh Tung, Head of the Department of Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery, FV Hospital, the causes of bad breath can be classified according to the 80/20 principle, meaning that 80% of the causes of bad breath originate from the mouth. This is the most common group of causes, including gingivitis, periodontitis, plaque on the tongue surface, tooth decay, dry mouth, etc.

Dr. Nguyen Thanh Tung advises patients on dental problems

Photo:FV

The remaining 20% of halitosis cases come from extra-oral causes; this is an often overlooked group, requiring a more extensive diagnostic approach.

According to Dr. Vo Cong Minh, Head of the Department of Otolaryngology, FV Hospital, ENT diseases that cause inflammation can cause bad breath: "Bacteria grow in the mucus that creates a bad smell, for example, sinusitis, mucus flowing down the throat can cause a bad smell. Tonsillitis is also a very common cause of bad breath, especially in cases of tonsils with curd... In addition, chronic pharyngitis can also cause bad breath".

Dr. Vo Cong Minh, Head of ENT Department, FV Hospital, examines a patient

Bad breath is also caused by digestive diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux, gastritis infected with Helicobacter pylori (HP), and colitis. According to Master-Doctor CKII Bui Nhuan Quy, Head of the Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatobiliary, FV Hospital, after successfully treating the above digestive diseases, patients said that their breath no longer had an unpleasant odor.

Master, Doctor, Specialist II Bui Nhuan Quy consults on the treatment of bad breath caused by digestive tract diseases

Photo:FV

Diet can also be a cause of bad breath that few people expect. Master, Doctor CKII Nguyen Viet Quynh Thu, Head of the Department of Nutrition & Dietetics, FV Hospital said: "A very popular diet today is the Keto (low carbohydrate) diet... When eating very limited starch, the body switches to a state of ketosis, burning fat instead of carbohydrates for energy, and creating ketones, including acetone - a substance that can escape through the breath and cause an odor, called 'ketone breath'.

Multidisciplinary approach to addressing bad breath at its root

At FV Hospital, persistent bad breath is considered a medical problem that requires comprehensive diagnosis and treatment. FV applies an interdisciplinary approach, closely coordinating between the Department of Dentistry, ENT, Gastroenterology, Nutrition, Endocrinology and even Clinical Psychology to treat each specific case.

Patients with bad breath will be referred to the Department of Dentistry to be examined and 80% of the causes in the mouth will be eliminated first. The doctor will treat oral diseases and give detailed instructions on how to care for and maintain proper oral hygiene to maintain the best oral health and prevent problems that cause bad breath from the oral cavity.

If no problem is detected in the oral cavity, the patient is transferred to related departments: ENT department for endoscopy to find inflammation causing bad odor or abnormalities in the nasal structure that can easily cause fluid retention; Gastroenterology department for stomach endoscopy, HP test; or Endocrinology department for blood tests to check blood sugar index, liver and kidney function.

If all physical causes have been ruled out, the FV Nutrition & Dietetics team will assess the patient’s eating habits, focusing on diets such as low-carb or Keto – which are prone to the development of ketone bodies that cause a strong, acrid smell in the breath. Dietary adjustments, nutritional balance and, if necessary, a systematic weight loss program will be tailored to each individual.

Master, Doctor, Specialist II Nguyen Viet Quynh Thu consults with patients

Photo:FV

The stress from halitosis can lead to "false halitosis" or "halitosis phobia". This condition causes anxiety, low self-esteem and avoidance of communication, requiring intervention from psychological experts. Therefore, FV always pays attention to the psychological aspect of patients. In cases of suspected "false halitosis" or "halitosis phobia", a psychological expert will participate in support.

Persistent bad breath is a complex medical problem. Instead of being self-conscious and struggling with temporary solutions, consider this an important health signal and seek in-depth examination and consultation for diagnosis and treatment. To make an appointment for bad breath examination, readers can contact the Department of Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery, FV Hospital via hotline 028 3511 3333 .

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hoi-mieng-dai-dang-dau-hieu-canh-bao-nhieu-benh-ly-tiem-an-185250730093336786.htm