Four smells in the mouth that could signal serious health issues

Express

Four smells in the mouth that could signal serious health issues"


Play all audios:

Loading...

Most people practise good oral hygiene to prevent issues such as bad or smelly breath. And while not brushing your teeth properly can be a cause of halitosis, there are a number of


associated medical conditions to be wary of. With this in mind, an expert spoke with Express.co.uk about different smells the mouth produces and what they could mean. Dentist Neil Sikka,


from Bupa Dental Care, warned of four specific types of smell to look for. BAD BREATH The medical term for bad breath is halitosis, which is thought to affect around one in four people. Neil


said: “Persistent bad breath can be caused by multiple factors, including poor oral hygiene, tooth decay, gum disease, or underlying medical conditions such as respiratory infections or


diabetes. “Like snoring, we may underestimate its importance, but it’s always best to have this checked out.” SWEET BREATH Fruity breath is one sign of ketoacidosis, which can occur in


diabetics. The NHS describes this odour as similar to “pear drop sweets or nail polish remover”. Neil explained: “Breath with a fruity or sweet odour may indicate uncontrolled diabetes, and


those who experience this will need to see their GP. “People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing gum disease and infection may increase your blood sugar levels.” Other signs of


ketoacidosis include: * Feeling thirsty * Needing to pee more often * Stomach pain, feeling sick or being sick * Diarrhoea * Breathing more deeply than usual * Feeling tired, sleepy or


confused * Blurred vision. “The symptoms usually develop over 24 hours, but it can be faster,” the NHS says. AMMONIA-LIKE BREATH This could be a sign of something potentially fatal,


according to Neil. “Breath that smells like ammonia or urine can be associated with kidney or liver problems,” he said. The National Kidney Foundation warns that ammonia breath is a common


sign of a “more advanced”, “chronic” kidney disease. Neil continued: “Poor oral health is linked to a rise in liver cancer – and when the liver is affected by disease, its function will


steadily decline.” Other signs that something is wrong with your liver include: * Feeling very tired and weak all the time * Loss of appetite – which may lead to weight loss * Loss of sex


drive (libido) * Yellow skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice) * Itchy skin * Feeling or being sick. FOUL OR METALLIC BREATH This odour should prompt a visit to a doctor or dentist, Neil


said. He added: “A foul or metallic odour in the breath might be a sign of underlying medical conditions, such as digestive problems, respiratory infections, or symptoms arising from certain


medications. “If you’re noticing such an odour, it’s better to be safe and have this examined.”


Trending News

What harvard's federal funding cuts mean for the university

Harvard University is poised to lose its remaining federal funding and ties to the federal government as its battle with...

What saint augustine can teach us about pope leo xiv

Standing in front of the cascade of crimson curtains on the balcony of Saint Peter’s on the evening of May 8, with an em...

Cdc stops recommending covid-19 vaccines for pregnant women and children

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is no longer recommending the COVID-19 vaccine for pregnant wo...

Musk says gop megabill ‘undermines’ doge

Elon Musk, the billionaire tech mogul who had a near-constant presence in the early weeks of President Donald Trump’s se...

King charles signals canadian strength to trump

King Charles III is not just monarch of the United Kingdom, he is also the putative ruler of 14 other Commonwealth realm...

Latests News

Four smells in the mouth that could signal serious health issues

Most people practise good oral hygiene to prevent issues such as bad or smelly breath. And while not brushing your teeth...

Office environment not a natural one

Caroline BerdonThe West Australian We've all suffered that first day on a new job: it can be terrifying. Being a st...

What press are saying about 'badass pilot: the series'

Memorial Day Sale! Join AARP for just $11 per year with a 5-year membership Join now and get a FREE gift. Expires 6/4  G...

This 6-year-old survivor's story may be the most intense from newtown yet

This article is from the archive of our partner . In the aftermath of Friday's Newtown school shooting, we've ...

Cuet ug 2023: nta to release exam city information slip on cuet. Samarth. Ac. In, details here

CUET UG 2023 EXAM CITY INFORMATION SLIP WILL BE UPLOADED TODAY ON CUET.SAMARTH.AC.IN. CHECK LATEST UPDATES HERE. New Del...

Top