Symptom 4: Bad Breath or Bad Taste
Few things can be as socially discomforting as bad breath. While several factors can contribute to an unpleasant odor emanating from the mouth, persistent bad breath, medically termed halitosis, can be an indicator of advancing tooth decay. The link between decay and bad breath is more straightforward than one might assume.
The same bacteria that orchestrate tooth decay are responsible for this malodorous symptom. As they break down food particles and sugars in our mouths, they release sulfuric compounds. These compounds, while beneficial to the bacteria, are the primary culprits behind the bad smell. The more these bacteria flourish, the stronger and more persistent the bad breath becomes.
Bad breath is more than just a fleeting morning phenomenon; it’s a sign that there’s a bacterial party happening in one’s mouth. And where there’s bacteria, there’s acid production. This acid doesn’t just stop at causing bad breath. It gnaws away at the enamel, facilitating the progression of decay and, in more advanced stages, leading to an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
Addressing the root cause is the most effective way to combat this issue. Regular dental hygiene practices, such as brushing, flossing, and tongue cleaning, can keep bacterial proliferation in check. For those already experiencing the symptom, professional dental cleanings can help reduce the bacterial load, mitigating bad breath and its underlying causes. (4)
