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What Causes Foul Taste And Smell In Mouth, Post-nasal Drip And Depression?

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Posted on Mon, 7 Sep 2015
Question: Hi Dr,

I have a question, kind of embarassing... Its related to what i think could be halotisis - i dont even know at this point. The inside of my mouth tastes ans smells disgusting always... Its causing problems in my relationships and sense of self quite a bit. I have excellent oral hygiene and have tried just about anything and everything - i dont have post nasal drip, smoked for 15 years and quit 12 months ago. Have a history of anxiety and depression. The thing is i dont know how bad this is being perceiveed by others as i think if its as bad as i think - they dont want to hurt my feelings. Is there anything new i can try or how do i know that this is a problem for sure? Please help!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (42 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Seems related to some underlying cause but can be improved..

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..

I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns...

As per your complain Bad Breath or HALITOSIS can occur due to a number of conditions which can vary from simple ones like certain eating habits to some underlying disease which can manifest as bad breath in mouth..
-If you take more of onion and garlic or other foods with strong aromas you tend to develop stinking breath and taste in mouth..
-Smoking also has an overall bad effect on mouth and body and is one of the strong cause for halitosis..
-In case if you wear any partial or complete dentures improper cleaning can also cause bad odour produced by bacteria..
-Other causes like Decayed teeth, infection in gums and reduced saliva flow which can be seen in Smokers and anxiety and depression patients due to certain Medication can lead to Halitosis..
-Yeast infection in mouth known as Thrush can also cause bad breath and it can also occur due to Dry mouth..
-Certain systemic diseases like Diabetes, Acid reflux, Respiratory Track Infection, Sinus infection and at times diseases related to Liver and kidney can also cause bad breath..

Therefore it would be wise to consult an Oral Physician and get evaluated for the exact underlying cause or Oral condition that is causing Bad Breath. Unless we understand the underlying cause (if any), I don't feel we will be able to solve this issue permanently.

In the meanwhile as for now you can gargles at least 3 to 4 times a day using a non alcoholic flavoured mouthwash for a fresh breath..
You can chew mint flavoured sugar free chewing gum many times a day as it will promote saliva flow as well as flavor will help in reducing bad breath..
Always gargle after meals..
Completely abstain from smoking,alcohol etc if you still do any..
Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily..
Avoid or curb down the intake of onion garlic and prefer more of home made nutritious foods..
Keep stress level minimum, Meditation and Yoga has excellent results in case of depression..
Keep the intake of medicines minimal if you take any..
Keep a log of medicines and foods that you take and feel that they cause more of bad breath and you can update me as well as your dentist with it so that we can guide you better..
Stay positive and always try to feel good as it is not the end of life..
You can take a chewing gum in mouth when being with people to prevent bad breath as well as make you comfortable..

You can get evaluated with an Oral Physician and follow up with me with whatever diagnosis he made for you so that I can help you up further..

Don't worry dear,you have not done any crime and bad breath can be resolved, just relax and gradually things will improve..
We are here to help and guide you always..

All the best..

Thanks and regards..
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Honey Arora (11 hours later)
Thank you Dr, im very nervous about talking to my dentist abiut this - its a taboo subject that in my dr's open office type environment is tough to talk about. She gave me a prescription for peridex before but to no avail. Have u ever heard of anxiety about bad breath ? I dont know the name but it has a name - fear of bad breath so its not as bad in relaity as one might fear...

Also i have never brushed my teeth at night consistantly. Im trying to be better about it

How can i request a confidental appointment with my dentist so everyone doesnt hear( my family ggoes to same dentist)

doctor
Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (30 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Don't worry, your dentist will understand and treat you in person..

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
Welcome again..

You are worried about your bad breath but it is really a very common problem and if you ask people they won't tell you but a large number of people have this problem and you need more of confidence than treatment..
Chill up my dear..
You do not have anything rare sort of disease. You can follow the remedies I told you earlier, you will definitely get some improvement..
And as far as talking to your dentist is concerned go to her with confidence, she is a dentist and can very well understand as she must be treating a large number of patients with bad breath and will never ever treat you with low fame..
You can talk to her on phone and explain your problem and request for a discrete appointment or you can write on a piece of paper and give her, she will definitely understand and treat you in person..
And even if you talk to her in public trust me nobody take it will XXXXXXX or treat you inferior..
There is nothing like fear of bad breath and you have to take it out of your mind and if you trust me my dear friend you are absolutely normal and just proceed with getting treated..
Trust me you will feel the best...

All the best..

Thanks and regards..
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora...
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Honey Arora (19 hours later)
Thanks , any specific products u recommend or seen succces with?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Enumerated certain products and remedies..

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
Welcome again..

If you ask me personally I have seen many of my patients as well as I have a personal experience of using Listerine mouthwash and it gave good results and you can use Cool Mint flavour thrice a day but dilute it with water in 1:1 ratio..
Do not eat or drink for half an hour after gargle..
Sugar free mint lozenges taken once or twice a day is a good choice..
You can also chew sugar free mint or menthol flavoured chewing gums and can take available brand from the chemist shop..
Chewing raw parsley or cardamom has been seen effective with immediate fresh odour..
Brushing teeth after meals is also a food option, use fluoridated toothpaste and prefer flavoured ones..
Drink plenty of water, maintain good hydration, eat small meals every 2 to 3 hours as starving for long also causes bad breath..

If these remedies fail then you need to get evaluated by a Physician for ruling out underlying diseases..

You will be fine soon..

Take care..

Thanks and regards..
Dr. Honey Nandwani Arora..
Note: Find out which dental treatment will work best for your teeth. Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Honey Arora

Dentist

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 14093 Questions

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What Causes Foul Taste And Smell In Mouth, Post-nasal Drip And Depression?

Brief Answer: Seems related to some underlying cause but can be improved.. Detailed Answer: Hi.. Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC.. I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns... As per your complain Bad Breath or HALITOSIS can occur due to a number of conditions which can vary from simple ones like certain eating habits to some underlying disease which can manifest as bad breath in mouth.. -If you take more of onion and garlic or other foods with strong aromas you tend to develop stinking breath and taste in mouth.. -Smoking also has an overall bad effect on mouth and body and is one of the strong cause for halitosis.. -In case if you wear any partial or complete dentures improper cleaning can also cause bad odour produced by bacteria.. -Other causes like Decayed teeth, infection in gums and reduced saliva flow which can be seen in Smokers and anxiety and depression patients due to certain Medication can lead to Halitosis.. -Yeast infection in mouth known as Thrush can also cause bad breath and it can also occur due to Dry mouth.. -Certain systemic diseases like Diabetes, Acid reflux, Respiratory Track Infection, Sinus infection and at times diseases related to Liver and kidney can also cause bad breath.. Therefore it would be wise to consult an Oral Physician and get evaluated for the exact underlying cause or Oral condition that is causing Bad Breath. Unless we understand the underlying cause (if any), I don't feel we will be able to solve this issue permanently. In the meanwhile as for now you can gargles at least 3 to 4 times a day using a non alcoholic flavoured mouthwash for a fresh breath.. You can chew mint flavoured sugar free chewing gum many times a day as it will promote saliva flow as well as flavor will help in reducing bad breath.. Always gargle after meals.. Completely abstain from smoking,alcohol etc if you still do any.. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily.. Avoid or curb down the intake of onion garlic and prefer more of home made nutritious foods.. Keep stress level minimum, Meditation and Yoga has excellent results in case of depression.. Keep the intake of medicines minimal if you take any.. Keep a log of medicines and foods that you take and feel that they cause more of bad breath and you can update me as well as your dentist with it so that we can guide you better.. Stay positive and always try to feel good as it is not the end of life.. You can take a chewing gum in mouth when being with people to prevent bad breath as well as make you comfortable.. You can get evaluated with an Oral Physician and follow up with me with whatever diagnosis he made for you so that I can help you up further.. Don't worry dear,you have not done any crime and bad breath can be resolved, just relax and gradually things will improve.. We are here to help and guide you always.. All the best.. Thanks and regards.. Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora..