Saliva Smells Like Poop: Causes and Treatments

Causes of Poop-Smelling Saliva

Noticing that your saliva smells like stool or poop can understandably cause concern. However, in most cases, it is not a serious problem and there are some simple explanations for this unpleasant symptom.

Some potential causes of saliva smelling like feces include:

Gingivitis or Gum Disease

One of the most common reasons for bad breath, including poop-smelling saliva, is poor oral hygiene. When bacteria builds up on the teeth and gums, it can cause inflammation and infection known as gingivitis.

As the gums become irritated, small pockets or gaps can form where bacteria collects and releases foul odors, including a poop smell.

Tonsil Stones

Tonsil stones, also called tonsilloliths, happen when debris gets trapped in the tonsils and calcifies into white or yellow balls. As bacteria accumulates in the tonsil stones, it can make your breath smell like poop.

Sinus Infection

Sinus infections allow bacteria to flourish in the nasal passages. This bacteria and nasal discharge can then drip down into the throat and mouth, causing bad breath.

Acid Reflux or GERD

When stomach acid backs up into the esophagus and mouth, it brings with it the stench of digestive juices and half-digested food. This can make saliva smell like poop.

Food Impaction

Sometimes stinky saliva occurs when bits of food get lodged in the teeth, gums or tongue. As the food starts to break down, it releases foul-smelling gases.

When to See a Doctor

While poop-scented saliva is typically not serious, it's a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor or dentist if it persists, especially when accompanied by other symptoms like:

• Discolored gums
• Swollen, irritated gums
• Bleeding gums
• Canker sores
• White patches on tongue
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Nasal congestion and discharge
• Trouble swallowing
• Nausea or vomiting

This will allow proper examination, testing and treatment for any underlying condition contributing to the odor.

Diagnosing the Cause

To get to the root of poop-smelling saliva, the doctor will likely:

Ask About Symptoms

They will inquire about oral hygiene habits, any other symptoms youve noticed, and if anything makes the smell better or worse.

Examine the Mouth and Throat

The doctor looks for visible signs of gum disease, dental decay, tonsil stones, infections, ulcers and other abnormalities.

Assess Sinus Health

They will check for sinus tenderness, discharge, congestion or other sinus infection symptoms.

Order Tests

Testing saliva itself or swabs from the throat can identify unhealthy bacteria levels. Blood tests help rule out diabetes or kidney failure as a cause.

Refer to Specialists

You may be referred to a dentist for x-rays to check for abscesses, osteomyelitis or other dental problems. An ENT doctor can check for tonsil, sinus or reflux issues.

Treatments for Foul-Smelling Saliva

Once the underlying cause is found, your doctor will recommend targeted treatment. This may include:

Oral Hygiene Improvement

Regular brushing, flossing, antiseptic mouthwash use and tongue scraping can treat gingivitis and reduce foul saliva smells.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics kill off excess bacteria in infections causing bad breath. Both oral antibiotics and antibiotic mouth rinses may be used.

Tonsillectomy

Removing the tonsils cures tonsil stones. This is only done for recurring stones that dont respond to other treatments.

Sinus Rinses

Rinsing the sinuses with salt water helps flush out mucus and clear sinus infections.

Acid Reflux Medication

Drugs like antacids, H2 blockers and PPIs reduce acid reflux and acid content reaching the mouth.

Improved Oral Hygiene

Brushing and flossing properly after meals can remove debris and prevent food particles from staying in the mouth.

Lifestyle Changes for Fresher Breath

You can also reduce poop-scented saliva with helpful lifestyle adjustments like:

• Drink more water - Stay hydrated to produce more cleansing saliva.
• Limit strong foods - Garlic, onions and spices can cause odor.
• Avoidtrigger foods - Dairy, meat and alcohol can increase acid reflux.
• Quit smoking - Smoking dries out the mouth and causes bad breath.
• Practice good oral hygiene - Brush twice daily and see your dentist regularly.

When to Seek Medical Care

Schedule an appointment with your physician right away if foul-smelling saliva occurs along with:

• Difficulty breathing
• Bleeding gums
• White, red or ulcerated patches in the mouth
• Facial swelling
• Numbness or tingling around the mouth
• Severepain
• Inability to open the mouth
• Fever over 101F (38C)

These symptoms may indicate a dental abscess, oral cancer or other condition requiring urgent medical treatment.

Prevention

Practice good oral hygiene and healthy lifestyle habits to help prevent poop-smelling saliva:

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss at least once daily
• Get regular dental cleanings and exams
• Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks
• Drink plenty of water
• Don't smoke or use tobacco products
• Treat acid reflux if present

Catching and treating the cause early provides the best chance for fresher breath in the future.

When to See an ENT Doctor

See an ear, nose and throat specialist if foul-smelling saliva occurs along with:

• Recurrent sinus infections
• Chronic postnasal drip
• Nasal obstruction or congestion
• Decreased sense of smell
• Persistent sore throat or cough
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Ear pain
• Headaches
• Tonsil stones

An ENT can diagnose and treat issues like chronic sinusitis, tonsillitis, enlarged adenoids, or reflux that may be contributing to bad breath.

When to See a Gastroenterologist

Consult a gastrointestinal specialist if poop-scented saliva occurs along with:

• Frequent heartburn
• Bitter taste in the mouth
• Excess throat mucus
• Burning chest pain
• Regurgitation of food/liquid
• Feeling a lump in the throat
• Chronic nausea
• Unexplained weight loss
• Frequent burping or hiccups
• Stomach bloating or pain

A GI doctor can test for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or other stomach conditions that may need treatment to resolve bad breath.

When to See an Oncologist

Seek evaluation from a cancer specialist if foul-smelling saliva occurs along with:

• Soreness, ulcer or lump in mouth that persists
• White, red or dark patches in mouth
• Difficulty chewing/swallowing
• Ear pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Enlarged lymph nodes in neck
• Chronic hoarseness
• Persistent sore throat
• Numbness in mouth or face

Although rare, foul odor can sometimes be an early sign of cancers of the mouth, throat or neck. Oncologists can perform examinations and tests to determine if any abnormalities require biopsy.

The Bottom Line

Bad breath and poop-smelling saliva usually arent cause for concern and can often be improved with oral hygiene. However, when accompanied by other symptoms, see your doctor to rule out infection, gastroesophageal issues or other underlying conditions that may need treatment.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.