Why Do I Have Bad Breath?

Written by: Melody, TCM Practitioner

Simply put, bad breath (口臭) means a foul odor comes from your mouth. This usually happens because there are many bacteria in your mouth that produce a bad smell when they break down food particles. Besides oral issues, problems in other parts of your body, like stomach problems, sinusitis, or even diabetes, can also lead to bad breath.

Bad breath is a common problem that troubles many people, affecting social interactions and potentially signaling underlying health issues. Both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western medicine offer different explanations for the causes and treatments of bad breath, and they can often complement each other.

TCM Perspective

🔸 Organ Dysfunction (脏腑功能失调):

TCM believes that bad breath is mainly linked to the dysfunction of organs like the Spleen, Stomach, Lungs, and Kidneys. Damp-heat in the Spleen and Stomach, Lung heat, or Kidney Yin deficiency are common causes of bad breath.

🔸 Internal Accumulation of Damp-Heat (湿热内蕴):

Internal accumulation of damp-heat is a significant cause of bad breath. When damp-heat stagnates in the mouth, it produces a foul odor, leading to bad breath.

🔸 Qi and Blood Deficiency (气血亏虚):

Insufficient Qi and Blood, along with a lack of body fluids (津液亏损), can lead to a dry mouth and tongue, resulting in bad breath because there's not enough moisture to keep the mouth fresh.

Western Medicine Perspective

🔹 Oral Problems (口腔问题):

Gum disease (periodontitis), tooth decay (cavities), and oral ulcers are the most common causes of bad breath. Bacteria in the mouth break down food debris, producing gases that cause bad breath.

🔹 Digestive System Diseases (消化系统疾病):

Conditions like acid reflux disease and constipation can cause bad breath.

🔹 Respiratory Tract Infections (呼吸道感染):

Tonsillitis and sinusitis, among other respiratory infections, can also lead to bad breath.

🔹 Systemic Diseases (全身性疾病):

Systemic illnesses such as diabetes, liver disease, and kidney disease may also cause bad breath.

Easy Ways to Relieve Bad Breath at Home:

🌟 Oral Hygiene:

Brush and rinse your mouth diligently daily, and use dental floss. Have regular dental check-ups and cleanings.

🌟 Dietary Adjustments:

Avoid spicy and irritating foods like green onions, ginger, garlic, and chili peppers. Eat more bland, easily digestible foods like vegetables and fruits. Reduce oily and sugary foods.

🌟 Keep Your Mouth Moist:

Drink plenty of water.

🌟 Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol

🌟 Maintain Good Lifestyle Habits:

Ensure sufficient sleep and avoid excessive fatigue.

🌟 Western Medical Diagnosis for Underlying Conditions:

For oral problems, it's recommended to first visit a Western dentist for examination and diagnosis. If Western medical treatment is not effective, you might consider combining it with TCM treatment.

If these methods don't yield results, then you might consider TCM professional help.

How Does TCM Treat Bad Breath?

🌱 Chinese Herbal Medicine:

Commonly used herbs include those that clear heat and detoxify, strengthen the Spleen and resolve dampness, or nourish Yin and reduce fire.

🌱 Acupuncture:

Through acupuncture, organ functions are regulated to improve bad breath.

Bad breath is a problem that bothers many people. By combining TCM and Western medical treatments, we can find the most suitable method for you and bid farewell to bad breath worries.

If you'd like to learn more about TCM wellness, or if you'd like more personalized advice for your specific situation, we recommend booking a consultation.