Breath that smells like poop can be a sign of a medical condition, such as halitosis, a tooth abscess, GERD, or a bowel obstruction. If this symptom persists and maintaining good oral hygiene does not help, a person should speak with a doctor.
GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, can cause a person's breath to smell like feces because the stomach acid backs up into the esophagus.
Between meals, you can snack on carrots, celery sticks and apples to increase saliva flow and wash away bacteria. These snacks can also help alleviate bad breath caused by hunger or fasting. An empty stomach from skipping meals can cause foul breath as acids in your stomach build up.
Halitosis is caused by sulphur-producing bacteria in the tongue and throat. The major causes include a dry mouth caused by certain foods, smoking, poor oral hygiene and a coated tongue. The treatment of halitosis will depend on the underlying cause.
Bad breath that just won't go away or a constant bad taste in your mouth can be a warning sign of advanced gum disease, which is caused by a sticky, cavity-causing bacteria called plaque. Garlic, onions, coffee… The list of breath-offending foods is long, and what you eat affects the air you exhale.
Patients with gut problems have described multiple noticeable smells from the mouth. These include a: Rotten smell that resembles the scent of rotten eggs or sulphur. This is the most common smell people describe when experiencing chronic bad breath due to a gastrointestinal disorder.
Popular toothpaste brands like Crest, Colgate, and TheraBreath offer products specifically designed to combat bad breath. For example, Crest's Pro-Health Advanced Deep Clean Mint toothpaste is formulated with antibacterial ingredients and provides a deep clean that leaves your mouth feeling fresh.
Breath that smells fruity or like rotten apples, for example, can be a sign of diabetes that's not under control. Rarely, people can have bad breath because of organ failure. A person with kidney failure may have breath that smells like ammonia or urine.
Give Your Breath The Sniff Test
You can start by cupping your hands over your mouth and nose, breathing into your hands, and then seeing if you notice a smell. Or if you lick your wrist, let it dry for a moment, then take a whiff, you should be able to get an idea if your breath has an odor.
You can safely clean out your bowels (also known as cleaning out your colon, or large intestine) at home by drinking more water and adding certain foods to your diet, such as whole grains and more fruits and veggies.
Therefore, while you can't catch halitosis directly, it's always wise to maintain good oral hygiene and be cautious with personal exchanges to minimize the risk of harmful bacteria transmission.
Most probiotics are used for the treatment of gastrointestinal tract disorders, but various studies on the alleviation of halitosis by use of probiotics have reported satisfactory results.
Use proper dental hygiene, especially flossing. Remember that mouthwashes are not effective in treating the underlying problem. Fresh parsley or a strong mint is often an effective way to fight temporary bad breath. Avoid smoking.
Everyone also should be aware of other new symptoms, in addition to bad breath, that are possible signs of oral, oropharyngeal (throat) or laryngeal cancer.
Gum disease can lead to the buildup of bacteria in the mouth, causing bad breath. As the disease advances, pockets form between the gums and teeth, providing a breeding ground for bacteria. These bacteria release toxins that contribute to foul-smelling breath.
Best Mouthwash Options for Bad Breath
Listerine Cool Mint Antiseptic Mouthwash: Listerine is a household name when it comes to mouthwash, and their Cool Mint Antiseptic formula is no exception. It effectively kills germs and bacteria while providing a long-lasting minty sensation that combats bad breath for hours.
Gargling salt water is a natural way to stop bad breath. Create a mixture of 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt to every 8 ounces of warm water. Swish a swig of the mixture around your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out. Repeat as needed.
Dimethyl sulfide and methyl mercaptan are probably the dominant smells in fetor hepaticus. Dimethyl sulfide has a pungent, garlicky smell, while methyl mercaptan smells more like rotten eggs or cabbage.