A fishy smell after brushing often points to Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) (Fish Odor Syndrome), a rare genetic condition where the body can't break down choline, causing fishy-smelling trimethylamine to build up in sweat, urine, and breath, or it could be severe oral bacteria buildup in hidden spots like gum disease pockets or cavities, or acid reflux. Brushing might temporarily mask it, but if the smell persists, it's crucial to see a dentist or doctor to diagnose the underlying issue, as TMAU requires diet changes while other causes need dental treatment.
The main cause of halitosis is poor oral hygiene. Without proper oral hygiene — like brushing, flossing and routine dental cleanings — harmful bacteria invade your mouth and cause bad smells.
Brush using a fluoride-containing toothpaste at least twice a day, especially after meals. Toothpaste with antibacterial properties has been shown to reduce bad breath. Floss at least once a day. Proper flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth, helping to control bad breath.
If you have trimethylaminuria, you may not produce enough TM03 enzyme, or any at all. Trimethylamine will then accumulate in the body and find its way into the urine, sweat, reproductive fluids, and breath, causing a distinct fishy body odor and fishy smelling breath.
Causes of bad breath
eating or drinking strong-smelling or spicy foods and drinks. problems with your teeth or gums, such as gum disease, holes in your teeth or an infection. fasting or crash dieting. some medical conditions, like dry mouth, tonsillitis and acid reflux.
You can start by cupping your hands over your mouth and nose, breathing into your hands, and then seeing if you notice a smell. Or if you lick your wrist, let it dry for a moment, then take a whiff, you should be able to get an idea if your breath has an odor.
Pop a Sugar-Free Mint
Sugar-free mints can be used to freshen your breath before important business meetings. They might not work as a bad breath cure, but they will mask the odour and make your breath temporarily minty fresh. Plus, since mints are compact, they're easy to fit in your pocket.
Water will naturally wash away food particles, bacteria, and other odour-causing cells. Since bacteria survive off the leftover food in your mouth— simply rinsing after a meal will aid in fighting bad breath. Try drinking around two litres of water each day.
Patients with gut problems have described multiple noticeable smells from the mouth. These include a: Rotten smell that resembles the scent of rotten eggs or sulphur. This is the most common smell people describe when experiencing chronic bad breath due to a gastrointestinal disorder.
The single, unifying symptom for all individuals with alcoholism (Alcohol Use Disorder) is the inability to control drinking, often characterized by intense cravings and a compulsion to drink, even when it causes significant harm, with the core issue being a loss of control once drinking begins, leading to continued use despite negative consequences. While physical dependence (withdrawal) and tolerance are common, the fundamental commonality is this internal struggle to stop or moderate, a concept often called the "phenomenon of craving" in recovery literature.
What does an alcoholic breath smell like? Alcohol breath usually has a somewhat sweet and sour odor, but it can also vary based on the type of alcohol consumed. Some might detect a scent similar to ripe fruits or fermentation, while others might perceive a scent similar to chemicals or solvents.
Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on mints containing xylitol can help stimulate saliva production and wash away odor-causing bacteria. Avoiding strong-smelling foods like garlic, onions, or coffee shortly before a romantic encounter can also prevent bad breath.
In a small enclosed space with limited airflow, bad breath might be detectable from up to a metre away. Severe bad breath is more likely to be detected by people further away. In an open space with lots of airflow, the chances of anyone smelling your breath are more limited.
Of course, the most accurate way to determine if you have bad breath is to ask your dentist. During your regular checkups, your dentist will examine your mouth and identify any potential causes of bad breath, such as cavities, gum disease, or dry mouth.
All alcoholic beverages contain ethanol, which is metabolized by the body and can be detected in breath emissions. While clear spirits like vodka and gin may be perceived as having a milder odor compared to darker liquors such as whiskey or rum, they still produce a detectable smell during metabolism.
Try breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. Breathe in gently and regularly. Some people find it helpful to count steadily from 1 to 5. You may not be able to reach 5 at first.
This technique, known as combat or tactical breathing, is an excellent way to reduce your stress and calm down. This breathing strategy has been used by first responders, the military and athletes to focus, gain control and manage stress. In addition, it appears to help control worry and nervousness.
Poor Dental Hygiene
Neglecting brushing, flossing, or dental cleanings allows plaque to build up. Plaque harbors bacteria that release foul-smelling gases. Skipping professional cleanings at least twice a year means tartar accumulates, making the problem worse. Gum disease and cavities are also strong contributors.
The 90/10 kissing rule, popularized by the movie Hitch, suggests that one person leans in 90% of the way for a kiss and pauses, allowing the other person to close the remaining 10%, which signals their consent and involvement, preventing it from feeling forced and creating anticipation. This technique gives the other person control, allowing them to either lean in for the kiss or pull away, indicating their comfort level.
Kissing someone with poor dental hygiene isn't just gross, it can actually damage your smile, according to Dr. Tina Saw, cosmetic dentist and founder of Oral Genome. Bad dental hygiene can lead to plaque buildup, gum disease, and can create a breeding ground for bacteria.
If you do experience early symptoms of ARLD, these are often quite vague, such as:
Fetor hepaticus is defined as the characteristic breath odor of patients with severe hepatic parenchymal disease, resembling a mixture of rotten eggs and garlic, primarily caused by dimethylsulfide.