Yes, bad breath can be a sign of oral cancer when it occurs alongside other symptoms associated with cancer. It’s important to note that bad breath alone is not known to be a life-threatening condition.
For most of us, bad breath (medically called halitosis) is a socially embarrassing but relatively harmless condition. It is usually caused by poor oral hygiene, but can also indicate more serious issues, particularly gum disease, and worse, cancer.
Let’s explore how bad breath associated with oral cancer is different from other causes:
“The Breath of Death”
Dentists sometimes use the alarming phrase “the breath of death” to describe the unusual odours linked to oral cancer. It sounds dramatic, but the idea comes from real research into how cancer changes the chemistry of the mouth.
Usually, bad breath occurs when bacteria in the mouth metabolise food particles and release volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) as byproducts. These gases cause your breath to smell, making social interactions awkward for many.
In some cases, dry mouth or dietary factors (like eating garlic) can cause bad breath. There are also certain medical conditions, including gum disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and sinus infections, that can cause your breath to smell.
However, with oral cancer, the bad breath is not caused by bacteria but rather the breakdown of the cancerous tissue. Bad breath associated with oral cancer is considerably more pungent, more persistent, and cannot be controlled with regular brushing and cleaning.
The usually bad breath goes away with improved oral hygiene. If associated with a medical condition, treatment eases the condition. But with oral cancer, the bad breath continues as the underlying condition is deeper and complex to treat.
How to Know if Your Bad Breath is Caused by Oral Cancer
You should immediately see a dentist (ideally) or a GP if your bad breath occurs alongside the following:
- Mouth ulcers that do not heal within 2–3 weeks
- Red or white patches on the tongue, gums, or lining of the mouth
- Lumps, thickened areas, or swelling inside the mouth
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Numbness in the lips or tongue
- Unexplained pain in the mouth area
- Your breath smells sulphuric (like rotten eggs) and keeps getting worse
You can perform a self-examination to see if you are showing early signs of oral cancer. As bad breath is never the sole symptom of oral cancer, you should only be concerned when it occurs alongside the other dangerous symptoms.
Who is at the Most Risk for Oral Cancer-related Bad Breath?
You are more likely to get bad breath from oral cancer if any of the following apply to you:
- Smokers or users of tobacco products
- Heavy drinkers
- Those who have had HPV infections
- Are over the age of 40 with a history of dental problems
- Have been diagnosed with poor oral hygiene
- Have had chronic infections
It’s important to note that the above doesn’t necessarily mean you have oral cancer, but your risk of getting it is higher without improving oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.
How to Protect Yourself Against Bad Breath from Any Source
- Improve oral hygiene: Brush twice daily, floss, and clean the tongue.
- Stay hydrated: Drink water to keep saliva, a natural defence against odour, flowing.
- Visit your dentist regularly: Dentists can detect early signs of oral cancer, regardless of whether your breath smells or not.
- Stop smoking: Smoking is a major contributor to oral cancer.
- Eat healthy: Keep your teeth, gums, and immune system healthy by eating a balanced diet and avoiding excess sugar.
Final Remarks
Bad breath is usually harmless, but it can occasionally signal something more serious. While oral cancer can cause halitosis, it is not a single symptom. You should only be concerned if your bad breath doesn’t go away with brushing and flossing, and if you fall into the high-risk category as mentioned above.
Don’t panic if you have really bad breath. Go to a dentist, as they are trained to spot suspicious lesions, and will refer you for specialist assessment if cancer is suspected. Early detection of oral cancer dramatically improves survival rates. So don’t miss your annual dental check-ups, the best safeguard against bad breath and oral cancer.
Author Bio
Dr. Malavi Sivakanesan is the co-founder and principal clinician at the Complete Smiles dental clinic in Harrow. She has a special interest in edentulism (adult tooth loss). Outside of managing the Complete Smiles clinics in the UK and Norway, Dr. Sivakanesan is a dedicated advocate for affordable dental care.
Image source: https://unsplash.com/photos/young-woman-yawning-with-hand-over-mouth-kQF6yN9Ek0U
