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Bad breath is usually associated with a smell from the mouth, but occasionally it may appear to come from the nose. This can be difficult to discern, as the nose and mouth are so close together, particularly if the problem is found in children. However, if this is the case, there are some possibilities and pointers to the particular causes that may be to blame.

In the particular case of very young children, exploring their environment may involve playing with poking small items into any available crevice. This may result in small parts or food being lodged in the nose, where it can gradually deteriorate and cause malodorous smells. If this is suspected, it is probably best to check with your physician, as the piece will be difficult to remove. An indicator of this being the problem would be a discharge from the nose, and this should be reported to your doctor.

Another cause of smelly breath seeming to come from the nose is that an interior nasal discharge or post nasal-drip can fuel the bacteria in the mouth that are associated with the production of the smell. The bacteria tend to be towards the back of the mouth, which means that the nasal drip will fall on the microorganisms which would exacerbate the problem. The contents of the nasal drip contain proteins, which are directly available to form smelly compounds - this is the reason for the 'sick smell' associated with infections.

While all the above can cause nasal smells, odors that come totally from the nose are the exception. Usually there is a smell from the mouth as well as the nasal odor. When found, these cases are usually the result of physical abnormalities or particular infections.

Although bacteria in the mouth are the common cause of bad breath, bad breath can also be caused by something that is eaten, such as garlic or onions. While these foods can directly react with the bacteria in the mouth to cause the smell, they are also absorbed in the stomach and then spread through the body in the bloodstream. The lungs will absorb the smell from the blood, and exhale it. If the mouth is closed, then this smell will appear to come only from the nose.

If you have a problem with bad breath, and particularly if it seems to be coming from the nose, it would be wise to consult your physician.