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Warning-sign checks

Bad breath: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services if you have trouble breathing, cannot swallow saliva, are drooling, or have rapidly increasing swelling of the mouth, face, or neck.

    Bad breath alone is not usually an emergency.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Arrange care sooner if you have toothache, loose teeth, bleeding or swollen gums, mouth sores, or problems with dentures.

    Seek same-day dental or medical care if bad breath occurs with fever, worsening tooth pain, facial swelling, pus, or difficulty opening your mouth.

    These can be signs of an infection that needs prompt treatment.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is getting rapidly more short of breath, or has gained several pounds in a few days with swelling
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Book a dental appointment if bad breath continues for a few weeks despite regular brushing, tongue cleaning, and cleaning between your teeth.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is more tired or breathless than usual doing things they used to manage

The article also says

See a doctor if a dentist does not find a mouth-related cause, or if you also have ongoing dry mouth, nasal blockage, throat symptoms, reflux, or other unexplained symptoms.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Bad breath. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.