Have you ever wondered if bad breath is a symptom of an underlying oral or health condition? The answer is yes. And you may be surprised to know there is a link between bad breath and pancreatic cancer. 

However, there’s no need to be alarmed because there are various other causes of bad breath. 

Also known as halitosis, bad breath is caused by bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria can break down food particles in your teeth and mouth, releasing a foul-smelling gas. 

Symptoms of Bad Breath

• Dry mouth 
• Mucous or post-nasal drip 
• A white coating on your tongue (mainly towards the back) 
• A sour, bitter metallic taste 
• Bad breath in the morning 
• Thick saliva
• A constant need to clear your throat

What are the Causes of Bad Breath?

Some of the major causes of bad breath include: 

• Gum disease 
• Poor Oral hygiene
• Tooth decay 
• Dry mouth 
• Smoking
• Certain foods, such as garlic and onion
• Acid and bile reflux from the stomach 
• Sinusitis
• Improper cleaning of dental restorations like dentures
• Odour-causing bacteria on your tongue
• Health conditions like respiratory infections, diabetes and pancreatic cancer

When Should I Visit My Dentist? 

In many cases, you can get rid of bad breath by following a proper oral hygiene routine. If bad breath persists, despite proper oral hygiene, you may need to visit your dentist. When you visit our dental clinic, one of our dentists will assess your mouth to identify the cause of bad breath. 

Based on this diagnosis, we will create a customised treatment plan for you. Our bad breath treatment at Warrnambool Smile Dental includes a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) to remove plaque and tartar build-up around your teeth and gums. Depending on the cause of your bad breath, we will provide the most effective and suitable treatment for you. 

We will also educate you on the steps you can take at home to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent bad breath. If our dentist thinks that your bad breath is a result of another medical condition, such as pancreatic cancer,  we recommend that you speak to another specialist.

What is Pancreatic Cancer? 

The pancreas is an organ located near your stomach and small intestine in the abdomen. It plays an important role by releasing essential chemicals that help the body function, such as enzymes that help digest food and hormones like insulin that help convert food into energy. 

Pancreatic cancer is a severe medical condition that affects how your pancreas works. This condition occurs when malignant cells develop in parts of your pancreas, affecting the functioning of your exocrine and endocrine glands. 

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer include: 

• Persistent pain in your stomach and abdomen
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth or inflamed gums
• Inflamed gums
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite 
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes) 
• Severe back pain 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Changes in bowel habits (diarrhoea and constipation) 

These symptoms of pancreatic cancer can be subtle at the early stages. However, detecting them early on is important to ensure effective treatment. It’s also important to keep in mind that these above-mentioned symptoms are not exclusive to pancreatic cancer and could be caused by various other conditions. 

While the symptoms mentioned above may not always point to pancreatic cancer, it’s never a bad idea to visit your dentist or doctor if you spot any of these warning signs. 

If you notice signs of poor oral health, including bad breath, you should schedule a consultation with one of our dentists as soon as possible. Our friendly dentists will assess your condition and ask about any symptoms you may have to diagnose the underlying cause of bad breath or refer you to a specialist.