The differences between breath odor and bad breath are usually differentiated by the cause of the odor. Bad breath is mostly related to tooth and gum problems. Breath odor usually occurs as a symptom of systemic diseases.
What is Breath Smell “Breath Odor”?
Many chemicals reach our mouths from our lungs. Almost all of them contain fragrance. These come to the lungs via blood. The lungs filter gases dissolved in the blood. (These are called blood gases.) The gases in question are thrown out of the body through the mouth while we exhale. Breath odor is caused by these substances. If the aforementioned substances exceed a certain level, this causes watering in the eyes. Throat irritation and other different problems can also be witnessed.
Causes of Breath Smell
The causes of breath odor are similar to bad breath. However, the main factor that distinguishes the two is that bad breath often occurs as a symptom. If you have an underlying chronic condition, the odor coming from your mouth is probably bad breath.
How is breath odor formed?
The answer to the question is hidden in the ammonia gas produced by the body.
There is a bacterium called H. Pylori in our stomach. This allows the protein in foods to be broken down. When the protein in food is broken down, ammonia gas is formed and passes into our breath as blood gas. Thus, it is expelled while breathing. At this time, breath odor occurs.
The phenomenon called blood gas is frequently observed especially in the following diseases:
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Parkinson’s
- Kidney diseases
- Metabolism problems
- Lung infections
In addition, those who use drugs for a long time and those who are in the pregnancy period are more likely to experience bad breath.
Is There a Treatment for Breath Odor?
Definitely, there is a cure for bad breath, but it depends on the disease the person is experiencing:
- Kidney failure, liver failure, and similar organ failures may require surgical operation.
- If diabetes is present, it should be controlled.
- If there is a disorder in the metabolism, hormone therapy may be needed.
- Various lifestyle changes can be recommended for asthma patients. (Trying to be in places without air pollution, avoiding allergens, keeping intense odors away from the home environment, etc.)
Since the smell of breath comes from inside, blood tests are applied to determine the source. If the doctor deems it necessary, he may request various tests to recognize the root cause.
It will not be possible to get rid of this odor unless the disease that is the cause of the breath odor is eliminated. Therefore, people suffering from bad breath should be examined and evaluated not only by a dentist but also by different doctors.
What is Bad Breath?
Bad breath, also known as ‘halitosis‘; is an unpleasant odor caused by a lack of oral hygiene, a pathological or physical reason. The treatment of this problem is essential in terms of both the health and social relations of the person.
Bad breath is mostly felt when waking up in the morning. Bacteria accumulate on the tongue overnight, creating a bad smell.
Because the rough surface of the tongue is extremely convenient for bacteria to settle. Bacteria that inhabit this place break down the proteins in the foods consumed. Thus, it turns into volatile sulfur components. As a result, bad breath occurs.
(Of course, bacteria don’t just live on the rough surface of the tongue. They also exist in the gum pockets and between the teeth.)
Causes of Bad Breath
- Less saliva production than normal
- Tooth, gum, or mouth ailments
- Staying hungry for a long time
- Implants and fillings in poor condition
- Plaque and calculus formation
- Tonsil disorders
- Dry mouth condition
- Not drinking enough water
- Mouth cancer
- Cleft palate problem
- Menstruation
- Sinusitis
- Accumulating food residues
- Unhealthy and malnutrition conditions
- Consumption of authoritative foods (such as garlic, onions, and radishes)
- Protein-rich foods
- Alcohol and smoking
- Coffee
- Some spices
- Infections in the sinuses, nose, and throat
- Mucosal disorders
- Tongue root layer (Rust)
- Fungal discomfort and infection in the mouth
- Nasal (post nasal) discharge
- Stomach ulcer
- Stomach reflux
What are the Differences Between Breath Smell and Bad Breath?
If the above information is summarized, the differences between bad breath and breath odor can be listed as follows:
- Breath odor originates from the internal organs, not from the mouth. It occurs due to an illness. Bad breath is mostly caused by problems with teeth, gums, tongue area, or oral tissues. On the other hand, the problems that occur in the tonsils and surrounding structures pave the way for bad breath.
- Breath odor is not caused by food. The biggest cause of bad breath is food residue.
- The bad breath goes away when you brush your teeth. Breath odor does not go away.
- Body odor accompanies breath odor.
- Individuals with breath odor may encounter complaints such as tearing and burning in the eyes. Bad breath does not cause that.
- It is not enough to pay attention to oral care to eliminate bad breath. Elimination of this odor is possible by improving the condition of the root cause of the discomfort.
The differences between breath odor and bad breath are not easily perceived by most people. If you are complaining of a constant irritating odor in your mouth, you should see a specialist without wasting time.
The progression of problems in the teeth and gums can lead to permanent tooth loss. If you have a different disease, it may be more difficult to treat if it gets worse.
