Diabetes and bad breath

Diabetes and bad breath

There is a widespread connection between diabetes and bad breath. However, breath odor caused directly by diabetes is not the same as bad breath in the usual sense. Diabetics experience an unusual odor on their breath, often referred to as a sweet or fruity smell, when they have ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis is a serious life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

In an undiagnosed diabetic child, bad breath caused by ketoacidosis may be the first sign of serious illness. Ketoacidosis occurs most often in Type I diabetics, whose pancreas does not produce enough insulin for their cells to absorb glucose for metabolism (also the most common form of diabetes in children). When cells need energy but cannot obtain it due to a lack of insulin, the body tries to correct the situation by breaking down fat instead. Fat metabolism produces acidic ketones that accumulate in the bloodstream, making it increasingly acidic. The body tries to get rid of some of the ketones by expelling them in urine and breath. This is the reason for the connection between diabetes and bad breath.

When ketoacidosis is the cause of bad breath in adults or children, the breath odor problem is insignificant compared to the danger posed by the buildup of acid in the blood. Other symptoms of ketoacidosis include thirst and frequent urination, fatigue, nausea, muscle soreness, sleepiness, coma, and rapid breathing. If you have diabetes or suspect that diabetes and bad breath are associated with any of these symptoms, seek urgent medical attention.

It is, of course, possible to have diabetes and bad breath that are not caused by ketoacidosis but are due to another underlying problem. If ketoacidosis can be ruled out, treat the problem like any healthy person: consider whether there is an acute or chronic infection that could be causing the problem. Are you feeling good? Sinusitis, gum disease, strep throat, deep abscesses, and malignancies can cause bad breath in both adults and children.

Unless there is an obvious underlying health problem that needs to be addressed, many of the products on the market today to treat chronic and uncomplicated bad breath are safe and suitable for people with diabetes and bad breath. Consult your doctor before using anything that could affect your blood sugar levels, and of course, when treating uncomplicated bad breath in children, make doubly sure that any respiratory product you choose is safe for them.

Inspired by R. Drysdale