We all suffer from some kind of bad breath at some point in our lives. However, some of us will suffer from halitosis more than others. Chronic halitosis, especially, should be taken seriously because it can be indicative of a more serious and chronic problem. In some cases, a more serious underlying systematic cause can result in halitosis. Although most cases of halitosis will be temporary, chronic bad breath could indicate a more serious underlying medical condition. Here is an overview of the systematic causes that can be responsible for halitosis.

Systematic Causes – When Chronic Bad Breath Runs Deeper Than the Mouth

There are several systemic diseases that can cause halitosis (bad breath). They are: chronic liver failure, bronchial or other lung infections, renal failure, carcinoma, trimethylaminuria, diabetes mellitus and metabolic dysfunction. Halitosis from these types of diseases is not originating from the oral cavity. Halitosis stemming from systemic diseases is extremely infrequent in the general population and most cases of halitosis will conclude with the source being from the oral cavity.

Chronic Liver Failure – Fetor hepaticus is chronic bad breath due to liver failure. It is also known as the “breath of the dead”. It is a late sign of liver failure.