A GP has warned that bad breath could be a sign of some potentially dangerous health issues. Many of us do our best to avoid bad breath, by regularly brushing our teeth, flossing and avoiding some smelly foods.
It can be uncomfortable to feel like your breath smells, particularly when among other people. However, an expert warned it could be far more sinister than just a social faux pas.
According to Doctor Sarah Jarvis, who is well known for appearances on The One Show, Good Morning Britain and BBC Radio 2, smelly breath could mean you are suffering from dry mouth.
But this could be an indicator of a more serious, underlying problem.
She said: “Unfortunately, there are various health concerns that tend to creep into our lives, including diabetes, anaemia, some auto-immune illnesses, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and Sjogren’s syndrome, which are all associated with dry mouth.”
In some cases this is directly caused by the condition itself. However, it can also be a side effect of certain medications.
Dr Sarah continued: “Quite often it is the use of certain medications that is the cause, due to the anticholinergic effects and the impact of these medications on saliva production.
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“For example, antidepressants, antihistamines, and diuretics all reduce the presence of saliva. Other medications can make us more prone to dehydration.
She therefore urged people to seek medical help if they experience persistent bad breath or dry mouth.
“If you are experiencing dry mouth, the first step is to identify the cause,” she said. “Talk to your doctor about any medications you’re taking and whether they might be contributing to the problem. Should there be no obvious medical cause for your dry mouth, there are lifestyle measures that you can take to alleviate the symptoms of dry mouth.”
Dr Sarah warned: “Dry mouth can increase the risk of dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Saliva plays a crucial role in neutralising acids and washing away food particles and bacteria in the mouth. Without sufficient saliva, these harmful substances can accumulate and cause oral health issues.”
She listed the following ways to prevent dry mouth:
- Stay hydrated: Take frequent sips of water and drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids throughout the day
- Use a moisturising mouthwash: Choose a mouthwash specifically designed for dry mouth such as TePe Hydrating Mouthwash, which contains moisturising ingredients to help alleviate discomfort and promote saliva production
- Practise good oral hygiene: Brush teeth twice a day with a gentle toothpaste that contains fluoride and avoid toothpaste with sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) which can irritate sensitive oral tissue
- Avoid tobacco and vaping: Smoking and vaping can decrease saliva production and worsen dry mouth symptoms
- Chew sugar-free gum: Some individuals find relief by chewing on sugar-free gum or consuming foods with high water content, such as watermelon and cucumber.