What Does Halitosis Smell Like?

Although it may be completely obvious to everyone around them, it is not uncommon for people to have bad breath and not even know it. There are several reasons why a person may have halitosis and not be aware of it. One theory suggests that this phenomenon is due to sensory adaptation, which posits that because we are accustomed to our own odors, we naturally filter out any bad smells that come from our mouth or other areas of our body. Another reason for not being aware of having halitosis is due to the social stigma attached, which simultaneously leads us to invent narratives for why we do not have this issue and reduces the likelihood of asking a loved one whether there is a problem that needs to be addressed.

Although no one wants to be told or admit that they have bad breath, it is important to be mindful of how your breath smells, as this is a strong indicator of your overall oral and physical health. The most common reason for bad breath is poor oral hygiene and/or diet and lifestyle habits, such as smoking.  If you do not brush and floss your teeth twice daily and/or schedule regular examinations with your dentist, you increase your risk of developing gum disease or other oral health issues. Gum disease occurs when bacteria builds up on your teeth and in the pockets of your gums. Your tongue and tonsils can also trap bacteria and food particles, which can result in halitosis.

One of the important things to be aware of in determining the underlying cause of your halitosis is what your bad breath smells like. The five most common types of bad breath people with halitosis have include:

• Rotten Egg Smell: If your bad breath is close to the smell of rotten eggs, this may be an indication that there is an issue with your digestive track, such as GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), which can release egg-smelling gas when breaking down sulfur.
• Sweet or Fruity Smell: Bad breath that has a sweet or fruity smell may indicate ketoacidosis, which is complication of diabetes, and/or kidney failure. Because patients with diabetes or kidney disease do not produce enough insulin, they are more likely to produce ketones, which often resemble acetone and produce a sweet or fruity odor.
• Fungus or Moldy Smell: Microbial buildups, infections, or growths in the sinuses can result in breath that smells like fungus or mold. Patients with a sinus infection can experience thick mucus dripping to the back of the throat from the sinuses or nose. When breathing, this overabundance of metabolites, foreign particles, and microbes can cause an unpleasant smell that is similar to fungus or mold.
• Fecal Smell: If your breath has an odor similar to feces, this likely indicates that you have a bowel obstruction, which occurs when your small and/or large intestines are no longer able to process waste. If you are experiencing constipation along with breath that smells like feces, there is a very high chance that you have a bowel obstruction, which should be addressed immediately.
• Fishy Smell: If your kidneys are damaged and no longer able to filter waste, toxic chemicals can build up throughout your body, which can cause your breath to develop a fishy smell.

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