Breath smells like moth balls

[spage_rn]

Nurses...I am so glad I found this website. Anyway, my husband's breath smells like mothballs.

Yes, it is disgusting. I am making him an appt at the internist tomorrow. This has been going on since Thursday...poor guy has brushed, flossed, scrubbed and used Listerine like crazy. He feels fine.

I guess I am asking if you all can think of some reason for this!! I have looked and looked online and in the Merck Manual. All I find is acetone smelling breath for ketosis. And his breath smells like an old man...reminds me of my father in law (66, had prostate cancer 5 years ago). Help!! My husband has no s/sx of diabetes. I have even done finger sticks...always less than 110.

He had this happen about a year ago but we can't remember what or when it went away.

Thanks for any help or insight.

[fotografe]

I have smelled sinus infections like that, but I would definitely keep the appt with the doctor!

[CDN_NPtobe]

Any problems with urination? Sometimes kidney failure will cause people to be malodorous because its a way for the body to try and rid itself of toxins. He also may have a pharygeal pouch or something that is filling with food that could cause the odor.

Just ideas--I would agree that he should keep his appointment. Let us know how he makes out...

[LydiaGreen]

There are many possibilities so the appointment should definitely be kept. Could be a sinus infection. Does he have any trouble sleeping? Excessive snoring, periods where he stops breathing? My daughter has enlarged adenoids (possible T&A surgery this month) and it doesn't matter how often she brushes, flosses, gargles - she still has bad breath (although, she isn't aware of it - we've never told her. She's seven and the poor kid has more than enough to worry about with the lack of sleep.)

[spage_rn]

I posted awhile ago about my husband's breath...finally got him to the doctor and GUESS WHAT?? yes, he had a chronic sinus infection. He's on a Z-pack and things are much better. Of course, he caught a head cold virus from our teenaged son, but that is another story.

thanks for listening!

[Elaine Jo]

I have been noticing that my mother's breath always smells like moth balls. I began noticing it about the time she was diagnosed with kidney failure. So, if you notice this distinctive smell, check out that possibility.

[JBHiker]

This issue of Mothball Breath usually is not a health issue. While it is true, kidney disease and diabetes and even anorexia can cause wierd breath, the major cause is not flossing properly. If you are looking here for answers, you should have already tried the following: Ask your friend to smell your breath. Then try different things and see what makes it better. Here are some suggestions that actually work: 1. Gargle with dilute Hydrogen Peroxide. Smell Test? Gargling will take out anything in the back of the throat if done properly. 2. Scrape the tongue. You can get a scraper or make one from a spoon. Smell test? That eliminates the tongue! 3. Floss your teeth - I mean really really well. If you are a person who has tightly packed teeth, I bet that's it. People who have had teeth pulled to make room for growth generally can remove food in the teeth easily. Count your teeth and see if your friends have the same number as you. The more you have, the more likely you need to floss often. Smell Test? Well if that did not do it, are you Skinny? If you are, your body may be breaking down muscle and the smell is a sign of poor diet. Eat more protein. Not Skinny? Do you drink milk, eat cheese, smear butter on your toast? You could be lactose intolerant. That is not a mothball smell but it is close. If none of these tips work, have a urinalysis done. You can do that yourself via online lab services. Look them up. If your test is alarming, see a doctor. If not, see a dentist. But my guess is you solved it when you flossed.