Why Does My Breath Have a Sour Taste?

A sour taste in the mouth may be caused by diseases in the oral cavity or digestive system issues, such as chronic periodontitis and chronic atrophic gastritis. It is recommended to seek medical attention to identify the cause and treat it promptly.

A sour and foul taste in the mouth may be caused by several reasons. The first is diseases in the oral cavity, such as chronic periodontitis. Patients with chronic periodontitis may experience gum swelling, pain, bleeding, and bad breath in the early stages. Later, tooth loosening and even tooth loss may occur. Additionally, having many decayed teeth or pericoronitis of wisdom teeth can also cause bad breath.

The second reason may be related to digestive system issues. For example, patients with chronic atrophic gastritis may experience acid reflux, hiccups, and stomach bloating. They should consult a gastroenterologist to rule out gastritis as the cause. Patients with chronic pharyngitis may also experience bad breath and sour taste in the mouth. If symptoms such as nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, and headache are present, consultation with an otolaryngologist is recommended.

Bad breath with a acetone or fruity odor may be associated with poorly controlled diabetes. Diabetic patients may be more susceptible to periodontal diseases or dry mouth. When blood sugar levels are unstable, the weakened body may be unable to fight against bacteria that cause infections and damage the gums, leading to bad breath. However, if the exhaled breath has a fruity or acetone odor (similar to nail polish remover), it may indicate a severe complication of diabetes known as ketoacidosis. Excessive accumulation of ketoacids in the blood can lead to coma or even death in diabetic patients.

Bad breath with a fishy odor may indicate kidney failure. The kidneys are responsible for removing toxic chemicals from the blood. When kidney function is severely impaired, the kidneys are unable to filter out toxic substances from the blood, leading to the accumulation of toxins and waste products. This can affect the body and, when kidney failure affects the respiratory system, may cause a fishy odor in the breath.