Many people struggle with bad breath, but one of the key underlying causes of bad breath could be more serious conditions like diabetes, particularly in individuals over the age of 40. Those diagnosed with diabetes symptoms often face various complications like bad breath and it can also impact vital organs and cause significant mental stress. In many cases, diabetes affecting breath has been linked to uncontrolled levels of blood sugar.
In people with uncontrolled diabetes, damaged blood vessels can lead to serious complications. The diabetes symptoms like reduced blood flow to the gums and teeth make them prone to infection, which can cause bad breath. This bad breath is often the result of bacteria growth and infection caused by elevated glucose levels in the mouth. Diabetes symptoms directly contribute to periodontal diseases, where bacteria attack the teeth, gums, and surrounding tissues, which may potentially lead to bad breath. The causes of bad breath not only worsens oral health but also affect metabolism, making diabetes even harder to control.
In addition to bad breath, other diabetes symptoms include bleeding gums, receding gums, sensitive teeth, and gums that are red or tender. The primary causes of bad breath is the production of ketones, which are often linked to high levels of bad breath.
How are ketones produced? How are they linked to bad breath?
Ketones are produced when your body can’t produce enough insulin, causing it to burn fat for energy instead. This rise in ketones will result in bad breath and increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis, symptoms of this condition include:
- Confusion
- Shortness of breath
- Breath that smells like nail polish
- Frequent urination
- High levels of blood glucose
What are the other common causes of bad breath in diabetes people?
The two main causes of bad breath in diabetes patients include:
Dry mouth:
People with diabetes often experience primary diabetes symptoms like dry mouth and bad breath which can be caused by high blood sugar or certain medications. Saliva helps protect your teeth by neutralizing harmful bacteria, but when saliva production is reduced, acid buildup can damage your oral health. A dry mouth also means less saliva to clean your mouth after meals, leading to more bacterial growth, this could also be the causes of bad breath. If you think your medication is contributing to dry mouth, or if your drinking water doesn’t help, consult the best diabetes hospital in Coimbatore about adjusting your treatment, and reducing your diabetes symptoms.
Increased risk of oral infections:
People with diabetes are more likely to get infections because their immune system is weaker. This includes a higher chance of oral infections. If diabetes is not well-controlled, healing can take longer, which may cause infections to last longer despite any efforts to manage them. One common issue is oral thrush, a yeast infection in the mouth. This condition causes a fungus to grow on the tongue and tissues inside the mouth.
What are the ways to manage bad breath during diabetes?
The best approach is to talk to your dentist. They can prescribe medications to help eliminate bad breath by understanding the causes of bad breath. Additionally, there are several things you can do to keep your mouth fresh, alleviate your diabetes symptoms, and prevent bad breath, from simple home remedies to proper dental treatments.
- Brush your teeth two times a day
- Rinse your mouth with fresheners
- Smoking can worsen your breath
- Maintain healthy insulin levels
- Keep chewing on sugar free gums to increase saliva, to keep your breath fresh
- Switch toothpaste to find your choice
When should you reach out to a doctor?
If you are trying to manage bad breath during diabetes or any of your family has a history of diabetes, then it is important to look out for:
- Your body producing low insulin
- High levels of blood sugar
- In case you have fruity smelling breath
- Few symptoms like weight loss or constantly feeling tired
What are the two types of diabetes responsible for bad breath?
Type 1 Diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes, happens when the body does not produce enough insulin. People with this condition need to monitor their insulin levels daily. It is more common in high-income countries. Some of the sudden diabetes symptoms include intense thirst, hunger, weight loss, blurred vision, and fatigue. Additionally, type 1 diabetes can cause the body to produce a high amount of ketones, leading to bad breath.
Type 2 Diabetes:
Type 2 diabetes is primarily caused by lifestyle factors, such as lack of exercise and overeating, rather than genetics. It is often referred to as non-insulin-dependent diabetes and is the most common form of diabetes.
Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes symptoms often take years to appear, making it harder to detect and prevent early. While it was once mostly seen in adults, it is now increasingly common in children as well.
How to identify bad breath caused by diabetes?
Diabetic ketoacidosis happens when a person’s blood sugar levels are too high and not properly managed. A key sign of this condition is a fruity smell on the breath, caused by high levels of acetone in the body. You may try to manage bad breath during diabetes and don’t know how to start that, the finest way is to discuss it with your healthcare provider.
Important Takeaway:
Bad breath could signal a bigger issue. If you have diabetes, paying attention to your breath is important, as it helps you catch early signs of gum disease or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) before they become serious. Reach out to the best diabetes doctor in Coimbatore if you are trying to manage bad breath during diabetes.