Bad breath: physiology or disease?
Bad breath
in medical language it is called
halitosis
.
There are physiological and pathological halitosis. Bad breath often appears in the morning. During the night, bacteria and their metabolic products accumulate in the mouth, which causes a bad odor. This type of halitosis is physiological and can be eliminated by simply brushing your teeth. Physiological halitosis also includes odor caused by eating a number of foods, such as garlic, onions, cabbage. This smell will disappear on its own as soon as the substances that caused it are eliminated from the body. But it also happens that an unpleasant odor is not eliminated using hygiene procedures; in this case, most likely, it is of a pathological nature.
How to get rid of the smell of rotten meat
There are many cleaning methods that are recommended when it comes to removing the smell of rotten meat. This includes rinsing surfaces with vinegar water (used when cleaning the refrigerator, helps disinfect surfaces), ventilating after using disinfectants, and using flavors with a strong, rich odor. But all this does not bring the desired effect.
Vinegar wipes, of course, kill bacteria, but the smell itself remains. Airing (even for a long time) cannot eliminate the smell completely, and it will continue to appear. Disinfectants and fragrances only clog the existing unpleasant aroma, which leads to the appearance of an equally nasty, but even more suffocating odor. All these means are ineffective. Harvard Odor Destroyers can save the situation and rid your home of a heavy, corrosive aroma.
Dry mist is the ideal way to remove any unpleasant odor. It is very simple to use: just spray it in the refrigerator and, after a couple of minutes, simply ventilate it. In 5 minutes, Harvard Odor Destroyers will remove the smell of rotten meat in the refrigerator. How to get rid of it indoors - the answer is similar. After spraying dry mist, ventilate the room for 20-30 minutes - and you can relax.
Fog doesn't just block odors. The fact is that the specific structure allows fragrant particles to bind and then simply remove them from the air.
With Harvard Odor Destroyers you get:
- the ability to quickly and effortlessly get rid of the suffocating smell of rotten meat;
- a cheap way to eliminate any odors at affordable prices;
- wide range of pleasant smells.
By ordering removal of the smell of rotten meat with Harvard Odor Destroyers, you will create coziness and comfort in your home, filling it with natural aromas that are pleasant to everyone.
Dry fog is a unique American remedy that will help virtually permanently get rid of the smell of rotten meat, not only on a domestic, but also on an industrial scale. It is useful to have it in service with cleaning companies and hotel complexes.
Bad breath: causes
The most common cause of unpleasant odor is the active activity of pathological bacteria in the oral cavity. Diseases such as caries, periodontitis, pulpitis, periodontitis, gingivitis, stomatitis, as well as the formation of tartar can lead to persistent bad breath.
The second place among the causes of unpleasant odor is dry mouth (the medical term is xerostomia
). Mica, which moisturizes our mouth, has bactericidal properties. It kills bacteria, neutralizes their waste products, rinses and cleanses the oral cavity. If there is not enough saliva produced, bacteria are activated, resulting in an odor. Dry mouth can be a consequence of illness or taking a number of medications. It can also be caused by age: over time, the salivary glands begin to work less intensively, the composition of saliva changes, and its antibacterial properties are lost.
The smell can also be caused by ENT diseases: sore throat, chronic tonsillitis, sinusitis, runny nose.
Another cause of unpleasant odor is diseases of the internal organs. It can be:
- renal failure;
- liver failure;
- gastric diseases (gastritis, stomach ulcer);
- lung diseases.
Smoking is also a cause of persistent bad breath. The smell is caused by substances contained in tobacco smoke and deposited in the oral cavity. The only way to eliminate the unpleasant odor in this case is to quit smoking.
Why does well water smell like hydrogen sulfide?
Hydrogen sulfide contained in deep water layers passing through sulfide ores is predominantly inorganic in nature. It can be present both in water extracted from deep-sea wells and in surface aquifers. It is a product of the decomposition of metal sulfides, most often FeS, in acidic aqueous solutions.
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is produced by sulfobacteria, which are common in underground aquifers. They work as a reducer of sulfates and sulfides dissolved in water to hydrogen sulfide. Most sulfobacteria prefer the anaerobic or anoxic environment of detritus, silt deposits, and artesian water horizons. Some types of sulfate-reducing bacteria - thionic bacteria - thrive in excess oxygen.
Hydrogen sulfide of organic origin is released during the decomposition processes of organic remains of plants and animals. Its toxic concentrations accumulate in drainage ditches, garbage pits, tanning vats, sulfur mines and coal mines.
In the drinking water supply, shallow wells and wells are at risk here, where organic matter can seep out along with the water during floods or heavy rainfalls.
In a well or well, hydrogen sulfide in water can appear as a result of:
- violation of the tightness of the casing: sulfur compounds seep from the soil;
- accumulation of sediment containing sulfur bacteria on the walls and bottom of the water intake pipe;
- sludge contamination of the walls of the water intake pipe and the bottom;
- ingress from groundwater passing through a nearby sulfur formation;
- technogenic pollution of groundwater.
It is important to promptly identify the cause of the smell of hydrogen sulfide from the water and eliminate it.
What is bad breath like?
Peculiarities of odor can indirectly indicate the source of problems.
Hydrogen sulfide smell
(the smell of rotten eggs) indicates rotting protein substances. This smell is typical for digestive problems. A persistent hydrogen sulfide odor may indicate gastritis with low acidity or a stomach ulcer.
Sourish smell
and a corresponding taste in the mouth is noted with gastritis with high acidity. This smell may appear at an early stage of the disease, when other symptoms are not yet present.
Bitter smell
and the taste in the mouth is typical of liver and gallbladder diseases. An additional symptom is the appearance of a yellow coating on the tongue.
Smell of acetone
and the accompanying sweet taste in the mouth is a characteristic symptom of diabetes.
Urine smell
from the mouth indicates a disease of the genitourinary system (primarily the kidneys or bladder).
Stool smell
from the mouth can occur due to intestinal diseases (dysbacteriosis, intestinal dyskinesia, intestinal obstruction).
Putrefactive
bad breath is typical for dental diseases (inflammatory processes of teeth and gums).
The effect of hydrogen sulfide on the human body: benefits and harms
Like any other substance, hydrogen sulfide can be harmful or beneficial to the body depending on its concentration.
The benefits of hydrogen sulfide in water
Physiotherapists agree that water with dissolved hydrogen sulfide has a healing effect on the body. For therapeutic purposes, hydrogen sulfide water is used in balneology and for medicinal drinking in health resorts, sanatoriums and health centers.
Free hydrogen sulfide in such water has an active chemical effect and significantly affects metabolism:
- strengthens the walls of blood vessels of the heart muscle;
- relieves inflammatory processes;
- helps strengthen ligaments and joints;
- Boosts immunity, relieves fatigue and tension.
From an aqueous solution, hydrogen sulfide penetrates into the body through the skin, respiratory organs, and mucous membranes. Hydrogen sulfide circulates in the blood for a relatively short time: the gas is oxidized in the liver to sulfates and removed from the body in a fairly short period of time.
Low-sulfide aqueous solutions containing 10 - 35 mg/l of free hydrogen sulfide and thiosulfides are used as medicinal drinks. Hydrogen sulfide water causes a laxative and choleretic effect, reduces gastric secretion. Water containing hydrogen sulfide works as an antioxidant for liver diseases and is good for recovery after chronic heavy metal poisoning.
Harm of water with hydrogen sulfide
However, it must be understood that water from natural hydrogen sulfide sources contains, in addition to hydrogen sulfide, other useful minerals and compounds of sodium, calcium, magnesium and has a complex therapeutic effect on the body only with a certain dosage and short-term use. The treatment course ranges from 10 to 15 sessions, with frequency of 1 time in 2 days. Water procedures are carried out in rooms equipped with a powerful supply and exhaust ventilation system. The optimal water heating temperature is 37 degrees, session duration is 10 minutes.
Prolonged inhalation of hydrogen sulfide vapor and systematic ingestion of it along with drinking water above the maximum permissible concentration (0.03 mg/l) will inevitably lead to serious health problems. The intensity of the “rotten” smell cannot be used to judge the concentration of hydrogen sulfide, since the smell is perceived only at low concentrations. The susceptibility threshold is individual and ranges from 0.0000025 - 0.0008 volume%. With a high content of hydrogen sulfide in water, paralysis of the olfactory receptors is possible and the smell can no longer be felt.
Is water with hydrogen sulfide dangerous?
Hydrogen sulfide forms compounds with hemoglobin that provoke slowly occurring oxygen deficiency. This process is most dangerous for children. If you inhale air containing even small amounts of hydrogen sulfide:
- it becomes difficult to supply organs and tissues with oxygen;
- headaches and dizziness develop;
- symptoms of poisoning and visual impairment appear;
- inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx occurs.
At high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide, the work of the olfactory and taste receptors is paralyzed, and conjunctivitis and bronchitis with bloody sputum may develop. In severe cases, pulmonary edema, tachycardia, convulsions, impaired consciousness, and respiratory arrest occur. If hydrogen sulfide is inhaled at an air concentration of 0.05% by volume within 30 minutes, death occurs.
Bad breath: what to do?
The fight against bad breath begins with careful adherence to good oral hygiene. If the source of the odor is bacterial activity, proper brushing of your teeth will help. Teeth should be brushed not only from the outside, but also from the inside, and also treat the chewing surface of the teeth. The brush angle should be 45°. Using dental floss, hard-to-reach areas between teeth are treated. If your teeth are in poor condition, simply brushing your teeth will not solve the problem. You will need to visit a dentist and remove tartar, and if your teeth have caries, cure them. It is recommended to visit the dentist at least once or twice a year.
It is also necessary to combat dryness of the oral mucosa. If you feel dry mouth, take a few sips of water and rinse your mouth. However, it should be remembered that frequent dry mouth can be a symptom of serious diseases. However, like the unpleasant smell itself. Therefore, if you have persistent bad breath, you should definitely see a doctor and undergo an examination.
How to determine hydrogen sulfide in water
Hydrogen sulfide acts on the olfactory nerve, paralyzing it. Therefore, with the constant presence of gas in water, the smell may cease to be felt.
Elementary analysis for the content of hydrogen sulfide in natural water can be carried out at home. Pour water into a transparent glass and leave it on the window. Water that contains hydrogen sulfide becomes cloudy when exposed to air due to the sulfur released. In the light the process accelerates. This reaction is a consequence of the oxidation of hydrogen sulfide by atmospheric oxygen.
The content of hydrogen sulfide in water for drinking water supply is limited to an upper limit of 0.03 mg/l, and sulfides - to 3 mg/l. Such indicators are established in SanPiN 2.1.4.559-96 and SanPiN 2.1.4.1074-01.
An analysis of a water sample in a laboratory will help determine the exact concentration of sulfides and hydrogen sulfide in water. The results will show the degree of excess of MPC and associated pollution. This will help you choose the right method for removing hydrogen sulfide from water and the choice of neutralization installations. We described in more detail how to remove hydrogen sulfide from water in our article “Purifying water from hydrogen sulfide.”
To obtain reliable analysis results, it is important to select samples correctly:
- It is better to collect water in a sterile container to avoid contamination by by-products.
- Before taking a sample, it is recommended to drain the water for 5 - 10 minutes.
- No more than 2 hours should pass from the time of sampling to the analysis.
What to do if the water smells of hydrogen sulfide
Hydrogen sulfide in boiling water: it should be noted that sometimes the characteristic smell of hydrogen sulfide appears only from hot water heated through a boiler. In this case, the place where hydrogen sulfide is produced is located directly in the heating element, where water stagnates and the processes of decomposition of the organic components of the original aqueous solution begin. In addition, the resulting hydrogen sulfide spoils the heating element, provoking its corrosion. In this case, only general cleaning of the heating device and prevention of water stagnation will help.
If you find dissolved hydrogen sulfide in your water, you should immediately think about cleaning it up. To remove hydrogen sulfide from water, physical, chemical and biochemical methods are used. The most effective methods are demonstrated by physical methods of aeration, gas deposition on sorption carbon filters, and chemical odor removal. For more information on how to purify water from hydrogen sulfide, read our article “What to do if there is hydrogen sulfide in the water.”
What is hydrogen sulfide in water
Water with the smell of hydrogen sulfide cannot be used for sanitary purposes or for watering animals. Hydrogen sulfide in water causes the enamel of bathtubs and other plumbing fixtures to darken.
Water with hydrogen sulfide initiates metal corrosion, actively catalyzing this process. A solution of hydrogen sulphide has the properties of an acid and reacts with almost all metals to form sulfides. When interacting with steel, a precipitate of iron sulfide FeS falls out, which accumulates on the walls of pipelines, communication devices, household appliances and contributes to the appearance of corrosion.
It is extremely difficult to combat hydrogen sulfide corrosion: despite the addition of acid corrosion inhibitors, pipes made from special grades of stainless steel quickly fail.
