Bad breath: not only unpleasant, but also dangerous

Bad breath can often be a dangerous sign, warns an expert.

Avoiding certain foods and brushing your teeth regularly are just the obvious and common steps that each of us tries to take to avoid bad breath. Some even put toothpaste in their purse to be “fully armed” always and everywhere.

These are undoubtedly the two best ways to prevent bad breath. However, it is worth paying attention to: If, despite the hygiene measures taken, bad breath literally haunts you for a long time, this is a dangerous signal.

Gut health expert Chris Duberley tells Express.co.uk there are possible causes of persistent bad breath. It can often be signal serious gastrointestinal disorders.

The specialist explains that this “distinctive” smell is often caused by hydrogen sulfide, a gas produced by specific intestinal bacteria. Its elevated levels can indicate problems such as inflammatory diseases and irritable bowel syndrome. All of this can damage the cells of the colon, causing imbalance, inflammation and discomfort. The expert explained the main causes of the unpleasant smell:

1. Anaerobic bacteria. They are found at the back of the tongue and in the throat and can cause odor when they break down proteins. If there are health problems, their activity increases, the bacteria are unable to break down protein effectively, so a characteristic chemical smell from the mouth occurs. To check whether it is present or not, simply lick your wrist, let it dry a little, and then smell it. If there is an unpleasant odor, it may be a sign of high levels of hydrogen sulfide, which indicates deeper health problems.
2. Inflammation of the intestines. Main symptoms:

• diarrhea that lasts more than four weeks;
• stomach ache;
• blood or clear mucus in the stool;
• bleeding from the anus;
• constant feeling of fatigue;
• Unexplained weight loss.

If you notice such symptoms, you should consult a doctor and not self-medicate. And Call an ambulance immediately if you have:

• very severe pain in the abdomen that is unbearable;
• heavy or persistent bleeding from the anus, sometimes blood clots;
• vomiting blood.

Such symptoms can lead to irreversible consequences, sometimes even death.

Irritable bowel syndrome – another possible cause of bad smell. Its symptoms include stomach cramps or pain (worsening after eating), bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.

To other reasons bad breath can be attributed to smoking, dental infection, diabetes, gum disease, tonsillitis and malnutrition.

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