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
  • Large Intestine
  • Stomach
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
Detailed description of the cause

Phlegm

In TCM "Phlegm" as a pattern of disharmony is a complex concept that extends beyond the physical manifestation of mucus. It represents a pathological factor that can disrupt the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to various health issues. Phlegm in TCM is seen as a sticky, turbid substance arising from the body's inability to metabolize fluids properly, often due to a dysfunction of the spleen. It's not only associated with respiratory problems like cough and congestion but also with systemic issues. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, mental cloudiness, dizziness, and in some cases, the formation of lumps or masses. Phlegm can even be "invisible," contributing to emotional disturbances like depression or stress. ... see more

Phlegm Patterns That Can Lead to Bad Breath

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Phlegm Bad breath, Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Bad Breath

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stomach Heat or Fire Bad breath, Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth, Mouth ulcers, Acid reflux, Nausea, Vomiting after eating, Excessive hunger, Feeling of heat, Acne... see more Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang | Qing Wei San | Xie Huang San | Fei Er Wan | Hua Ban Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Large Intestine

In TCM the Large Intestine is primarily seen as responsible for the absorption of fluids and the excretion of waste. It is closely related to the Lung in terms of energy flow and function, reflecting the interconnectedness of organ systems in TCM. When the Large Intestine malfunctions, it can lead to issues such as constipation or diarrhea, abdominal pain, and an inability to let go of emotional waste, like holding onto grief or stress. This is in line with the TCM view that the physical and emotional aspects of health are deeply connected. An imbalanced Large Intestine can also manifest as skin problems, signifying the organ’s role in eliminating toxins and maintaining balance in the body’s internal environment.... see more

Large Intestine 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
Detailed description of the cause

Stomach

In TCM the Stomach is regarded as the "sea of nourishment," pivotal for digesting food and transforming it into Qi and blood. It works closely with the Spleen to distribute these essential nutrients throughout the body. When the Stomach is out of balance or malfunctions in TCM, it often leads to digestive problems such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, or a feeling of fullness. There may also be issues like acid reflux or a sour taste in the mouth. Emotionally, an imbalanced Stomach can contribute to excessive worry and overthinking, reflecting the TCM belief that physical and emotional well-being are deeply interconnected.... see more

Stomach Patterns That Can Lead to Bad Breath

Common Symptoms: Acid Reflux Nausea Upper Abdominal Burning Pain Excessive Thirst Craving For Cold Beverages Restlessness Dry Stools Dry Mouth

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stomach Heat or Fire Bad breath, Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth, Mouth ulcers, Acid reflux, Nausea, Vomiting after eating, Excessive hunger, Feeling of heat, Acne... see more Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang | Qing Wei San | Xie Huang San | Fei Er Wan | Hua Ban Tang
Food Stagnation in the Stomach Foul breath, Epigastric fullness and pain relieved by vomiting, Nausea, Vomiting of sour fluids, Bad breath, Acid reflux, Belching, Insomnia, Alternating diarrhea and constipation, Lack of appetite, Abdominal pain due to overeating... see more Bao He Wan | Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan | Gua Di San

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
  • Formulas that reduce food accumulation and transform stagnation
  • Formulas that clear heat from the organs
  • Formulas that enrich yin and moisten dryness
  • Formulas that moisten intestines and unblock bowels
  • Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
  • Formulas that purge heat accumulation
  • Formulas that clear heat from qi and blood
  • Formulas that induce vomiting

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

All Formulas Recommended for Bad Breath Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang Stomach Heat or Fire
Qing Wei San Stomach Heat or Fire
Xie Huang San Stomach Heat or Fire
Fei Er Wan Stomach Heat or Fire
Hua Ban Tang Stomach Heat or Fire

All "formulas that reduce food accumulation and transform stagnation" recommended for bad breath

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Fei Er Wan Stomach Heat or Fire
Bao He Wan Food Stagnation in the Stomach
Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan Food Stagnation in the Stomach

All "formulas that clear heat from the organs" recommended for bad breath

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Qing Wei San Stomach Heat or Fire
Xie Huang San Stomach Heat or Fire

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.