Moth Ball Breath

What causes moth ball smelling breath in a 50 year old man?

[aliaat]

I don't really know what mothball smell is like, but does he have diabetes?

Check this with doctor!

A.

[oceans3]

ya know, now that you mention this, i have encountered a few people middle aged and older who have had the same smelling breath. sorry, all i have to offer.

[dr. mommy]

It has been my experience that "moth ball" breath is an indicator of tooth decay, even if there is no pain. You might want to visit your dentist.

[shebajh]

My 43 yr old husband recently began taking cholesterol and blood pressure medicine, and shortly afterwards, I noticed his breath smelled of moth balls.  He has had no other complaints or symptoms and plans to consult with the doctor about it during his next visit.  We don't know if it's related to his medication, but that was the only change he had made.

[beatybishop]

My 67 year old husband also recently began taking cholesterol and blood pressure medicine (Lipitor & Altace) and I have noticed the "moth ball" breath syndrome.  Sounds like a clue to me.

[dawnroccadaboat]

I am 30 years old, and I HAVE This moth ball breath thing. How do I know? Everytime I get close to someone they offer me a mint or gum - EVERY TIME. I have had people tell me also.  I have had people look like they were going to newly throw up when sitting across from me eating. Also, I had a man, that I used to work with, and it used to almost ball me over. So I know exactly how bad this is! If I use a very strong mouth wash - it actually makes it WORSE! So bad, that if I breath heavily, I can actually smell it MYSELF if I breath hard. Now you know that is bad, when you can smell it yourself. The good news is, I know what it is. It is gum disease. I have stage 2 Gingivities/ its a periodontal disease. All of those words are probably spelt wrong, but you are smart...and can figure out what I mean. Anyways...I would suggest going to a great dentist - and have their gums rooted, and scaled - they grade the gums. If the gums have "pockets" they call them - the smell gets trapped in them. I know its gross.

[pixijal]

sinus infections can be the culprit.

[Mingobear0712]

Gum disease is caused by tarter build up and the number one symptom of tarter build up (besides tarter of course) is bad breath. Brushing doesn't help and the only thing that helps is the dentist removing the plaque and tarter. He could have a tarter problem or gum disease. If he is on any medications, it could be a side-effect of those as well. I would speak with a doctor or dentist.

[April555]

I'm a 24 year old woman with the same issue, but I'm not on any meds and I brush my teeth twice a day. It comes and goes but its awfully concerning. I do have chronic sinus issues but only in the winter and the 'mothball breath' happens no matter the season.

[liza636]

I have had chronic mothball breath since in my 20's...I am now in my 40's and still haven't solved it.  Tried tongue scraper and getting tested for h.pylori stomach bacteria which came back negative.  It has definitely affected my self-esteem, I am always afraid if I speak I will offend people, so afraid to talk out loud unless around family.  There must be a doctor out there somewhere who can shed some light on this.

[nflgirl]

I'm 48 and just in that last 10 days started having moth ball breath. What changed in the last 10 days you ask, Lipitor! I started taking it 2 weeks ago and within 4 days started having moth ball breath. It is a clue!

[Jkick626]

Check ammonia levels....liver functions

[lisathinks]

I am not a diabetic, and the only medication I have been on for years is Wellbutrin (anti-anxiety/anti-depressant).  That med never caused my "mothball breath";  I only started getting it shortly after I began taking probiotics!!  I heard that probiotics are supposed to help bad breath.  Maybe I have toxins that are being released as a result of the probiotics, and so until that happens, I will have this breath?  Also, I see a dentist regularly, have good mouth/dental hygiene, and don't have sinus infections that correspond with the breath (a sinus infection, in my experience, causes a different kind of bad breath).

Anyway, has anyone else had the experience of starting on probiotics and then experiencing the mothball breath??  Thanks.

[OohCheeky]

Hi,

I have had the same problem for 5 years.  the smell is also in my faeces.  I have had a breath test its not in my mouth, its coming from my gut.  Its worse when my tummy is empty.  I wonder if you have solved this problem?  I am having stool tests at the moment to see if they show anything up.  What have you done?

[OohCheeky]

Hi,

This msg is to  anyone who has a problem with mothball chemical dentist smelling breath.  Its a very common problem ive noticed in my searches on internet and not an answer to be found.  I was on anti biotics for a year (mild dose) but didnt counteract it with yoghurt or healthy bacteria pills and I should have I found out since.  I have had the problem for 6 years and doctors are still looking for the solution.  I have discovered that I am constipated and bacteria in bowel may possibly be causing this problem, I am working on that.  Results take a while but I keep mine under control by taking Acidophilus Bifidus CApsules - 1,000000 organisms per capsule and for me I have to take 9 a day or it begins to come back.  Its expensive but I have a life without the embarrassment and with relaxed intimacy whilst it is under control.  I hope to find a permanent solution but in the meantime maybe this could help you.  Just a note, I use blackmores off the shelf product and have tried one other brand (cant remember what it is) but it had 4 million organisms in it but it didnt work for me at all.  They seemed to have same ingredients and I used the correct strength of 2nd medicine.  I hope this helps you both and others.