Bad breath can be caused by a number of different problems, some of them easy to detect and others that are not as easy. For some of us, it is a simple matter of having problems with our teeth but for others, the problem they go much deeper than that. Many people that have a problem with halitosis end up going to the dentist in order to see if they can have the problem fixed and many times, the dentist is able to fix it. There may be occasions whenever the bad breath is caused by other problems instead of problems with our mouth and in this case, a dentist would refer us to another doctor.
One of the ways that a dentist may be able to tell if bad breath problems are coming from the mouth or not is by how it smells. For those of us that have a problem with tooth decay or perhaps gum disease, there will be a specific odor because we are dealing with bacteria and decay. There will be other odors that may be coming out of your mouth, however, if the problem lies somewhere else. At times, the bad breath may smell like urine and if this is the case, it may be an indication that you’re having a problem with your kidneys.
One of the more common reasons why people have bad breath is because they are having a problem with diabetes. Whenever this happens, their breath tends to have a fruity smelling odor as a result of a problem known as ketosis. Interestingly enough, this is also a problem that is caused whenever we fast and chemicals are broken down in our body and it is burning fat for fuel, as in the case of the Atkins diet. A dentist will not be able to help you with this type of halitosis because it stems from someplace else other than your mouth.
In order for you to treat bad breath that is coming from diabetes or ketosis, you’re going to have to get to the root of the problem and treat the diabetes itself. You may also need to keep breath mints with you in order to cover of the problem until you’re able to effectively deal with it. Remember, bad breath can happen for a number of different reasons and if it tips you to the fact that you are having a more serious problem, be happy that you have it.