Symptom family: Oral Health

What is Bad Breath?

Bad breath is a condition characterized by an unpleasant odor emanating from the mouth. This condition can be temporary, resulting from certain foods, poor oral hygiene, or dry mouth, but when persistent, it often signals underlying dental or medical issues.

Bad breath can significantly impact social interactions and a person’s confidence. Understanding its causes is crucial for effective treatment and prevention. Addressing Bad breath requires a thorough examination to identify and treat its root cause, be it dental decay, gum disease, or other medical conditions.

How Does TCM View Bad Breath?

From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), bad breath is viewed as a manifestation of underlying imbalances within the body's internal systems. TCM practitioners believe that bad breath is often a symptom of disharmony related to organ function, Qi (vital energy), and the balance of Yin and Yang.

Unlike Western medicine, which primarily focuses on the symptom itself and local factors contributing to bad breath, TCM seeks to identify and correct the internal disharmonies, considering emotional, physiological, and environmental factors. This holistic approach emphasizes the need for a personalized diagnosis to effectively address Bad breath.

Root Causes of Bad Breath in TCM

In TCM, Bad breath is commonly associated with several patterns, such as Dryness and Heat within the body. Dryness in the Large Intestine, for example, can lead to symptoms such as bad breath, dry stools, and a dry throat, indicating an imbalance that affects the body’s moisture.

On the other hand, Heat, particularly Stomach Heat or Fire, manifests through symptoms like bad breath, excessive thirst, and mouth ulcers, reflecting an excess of Yang energy that needs to be cooled. These patterns underscore TCM’s focus on underlying causes rather than just treating the symptoms of Bad breath.

Explore below more details about what might cause Bad breath according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
Detailed description of the cause

Dryness

"Dryness" in TCM refers to a state where there is a lack of moisture in the body, much like how the land feels during a drought. It's a pattern of disharmony that can arise from external factors like dry weather or internal issues, such as insufficient fluid intake or certain lifestyle habits. When your body experiences this dryness, you might notice symptoms like dry skin, a scratchy throat, dry eyes, or even constipation. It's similar to the feeling of being parched or having dry, chapped lips in a very dry climate. TCM views this as an imbalance where the body's yin - often associated with moisture and cooling - is depleted.... see more

Dryness Patterns That Can Lead to Bad Breath

Common Symptoms: Dry Stools Dry Mouth Dry Throat Dizziness Emaciation Constipation Thirst Poor Constitution

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Large Intestine Dryness Bad breath, Dry stools, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Emaciation, Dizziness Zeng Ye Tang | Ma Zi Ren Wan
Dryness in Large Intestine Bad breath, Constipation, Thirst, Dry stools, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Poor constitution, Dizziness, Irritable bowel syndrome, Hemorrhoids, Aphthous stomatitis... see more Zeng Ye Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Bad Breath

For treating bad breath, TCM employs a variety of formulas and herbs tailored to the individual's specific pattern of imbalance. Zeng Ye Tang, enriched with Ningpo Figwort Roots, is recommended for moistening Dryness, particularly effective in cases where Yin Deficiency leads to dry mouth and bad breath.

For issues stemming from Phlegm or Stomach Heat, formulas like Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan and Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang, which contain ingredients like Coco-Grass Rhizomes and Rhubarb, respectively, work to transform Phlegm, regulate Qi, and purge Heat accumulation. These treatments illustrate TCM’s nuanced approach to healing, targeting the specific disharmonies that contribute to bad breath.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address bad breath, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type

All Formulas Recommended for Bad Breath Caused by Dryness

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Zeng Ye Tang Large Intestine Dryness, Dryness in Large Intestine
Ma Zi Ren Wan Large Intestine Dryness

Acupoints for Bad Breath

TCM also advocates the use of acupuncture as a complementary treatment for Bad breath, focusing on acupoints that harmonize the body's internal systems. Duiduan DU-27, located at the junction of the philtrum and the upper lip, is particularly noted for its effectiveness in clearing Heat, benefiting the mouth, and calming the Mind.

Stimulating this point can help address the energetic imbalances that lead to Bad breath, offering a holistic solution that encompasses both physical and emotional well-being. This approach highlights the comprehensive nature of TCM, aiming to restore balance and health throughout the entire body.

See more details below about Duiduan DU-27, an acupoint used to address bad breath.

  • By Meridian
  • Governing Vessel
Duiduan DU-27

Duiduan DU-27

On the midline, at the junction of the philtrum and the upper lip.

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