Hoosier State Today

• Dr. Andrew Ordon of "The Doctors" says sinusitis commonly causes bad breath.
• Sinusitis may also cause other negative health effects.
• Treating sinusitis can be both simple and low-risk.

On an episode of the talk show "The Doctors," Dr. Andrew Ordon responded to a viewer's question about whether untreated sinusitis can cause bad breath.

"Yes, for sure," Ordon said on the television show. "The minute that those sinuses get clogged up, you have a buildup of mucus; bacteria grow in there. They cause an odor that spreads not only into the nasal cavities, but down into your mouth. In fact, bad breath is one of the major symptoms of sinusitis."

Ordon has worked as a surgeon for over 30 years. He is a two-time Emmy nominee for his role as cohost of the talk show "The Doctors."

Dr. Anthony Sanders of Indianapolis Sinus Center listed some other sinusitis symptoms in addition to bad breath.

"Sinusitis is typically associated with headaches, facial pain and pressure; sometimes pain and pressure in the teeth," Sanders told Hoosier State Today. "The reason you feel that in your teeth is, where the teeth are, the maxillary sinuses are right above it. The nerves to those teeth come right through that region as well. So that's very common."

According to Merck Manual, sinusitis symptoms include yellow or green drainage from the nose, pressure and pain in the face, a stuffy nose, bad breath, coughing up mucus during the day and particularly at night. Some people may experience fever and chills as well. 

Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure and is often recommended for patients who suffer from chronic sinusitis, after they've exhausted other treatment options. This procedure is fairly straightforward, with few complications reported. There is no cutting nor removal of bones or tissue during the procedure, according to Healthline.

To learn more about sinusitis or balloon sinuplasty, please take a Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz from Indianapolis Sinus Center.