What could cause bad breath that smells like kerosene?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

1. Bad breath is not just due to poor oral hygiene but could also be due to the involvement of other internal organs like the nasal sinus, and gastrointestinal tract.

2. You have mentioned that your breath smells like kerosene which is an indicator of nasal sinus infection.

3. The chemical substance which gives this kind of smell is dimethyl sulfide, and the smell can be compared with the smell of the cabbages.

4. This particular sulfide gas is the least understood one among the bad breath gases.

5. Also you should know a fact that bad breath could be because of bowel disturbances, or gag reflexes.

6. As a home remedy, you can use chlorhexidine mouthwash 0.2 % 10 ml to gargle thrice a day for one week. Make sure you are buying a non-alcohol-containing mouthwash as it will not irritate your oral tissues.

7. Please note: Do not use mouthwashes immediately after toothbrushing as this will diminish the effect of toothbrushing. Do not forget to clean your tongue with a blunt plastic tongue cleaner or with the back of the toothbrush head.

8. I also request you visit an ENT specialist to check if you have any underlying sinus infections and get treated for the same.

Thank you.