What Bad Breath Could Mean and Its Most Likely Causes.

Monday, Aug. 12th 2024 10:00 AM

Poor oral hygiene or gum disease most likely causes bad breath. However, bad breath can signal a sinus infection and acid reflux. A Journal of General Internal Medicine study found an association between GERD symptoms and bad breath or sleep apnea. People with sleep apnea are likelier to breathe through their mouths at night. Breathing through your mouth can lead to dry mouth (another cause of bad breath).

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What is Acid Reflux and Sleep Apnea?

  • Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is where the stomach’s acidic contents flow back into the esophagus. Acid Reflux can cause heartburn and other symptoms. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, helps prevent acid reflux by closing off the esophagus from the stomach. When the LES doesn’t function properly, acid can flow back into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort.
  • During sleep, people with sleep apnea experience pauses in breathing or take shallow breaths. These pauses can last a few seconds to minutes and occur multiple times at night. Sleep apnea can cause loud snoring, gasping, or choking sounds during sleep. Sleep apnea disrupts sleep quality and leads to daytime fatigue and sleepiness. There are two main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.
  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Is caused by a blockage or narrowing of the airway.
  • Central Sleep Apnea: Is caused by the brain not sending the right signals to the muscles that control breathing. Sleep apnea can be diagnosed and treated by a medical professional.
Posted on Monday, Aug. 12th 2024 10:00 AM | by Share of Cost | in Dental Insurance, Share of Cost | Comments Off on What Bad Breath Could Mean and Its Most Likely Causes.