Does Adderall Make Your Breath Smell Bad?

By - Aneeza Pervez

There are certain medicines that are known to cause bad breath and dry mouth. Is Adderall one of them?

Does Adderall make your breath smell bad?

Unfortunately, it does. Even if your teeth are in great shape, you can develop a foul odor and mouth dryness from using them. Bad breath from Adderall is typically caused by dry mouth and Adderall tongue.

But, you can fix bad breath from Adderall. Here is the complete detail of how Adderall causes bad breath. Also, you will learn how to prevent Adderall’s mouth side effects. Here we go!

Does Adderall Make Your Breath Smell Bad?

Does Adderall affect your teeth and make your breath smell bad?. 

Adderall is a drug intended to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, it has been reported to have some rather unpleasant side effects. One of these is the possibility that your breath will smell bad.

Adderall’s active ingredients are amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Which are purported to enhance cognitive function (stimulate neural activity in the brain). Unfortunately, they can also stimulate your kidneys, which may result in a dry mouth. Eventually, it results in a condition that can make your breath smell bad.

Again, saliva is essential because it removes food particles. It also neutralizes acids created by bacteria in the mouth, which can lead to halitosis (bad breath). So, when there isn’t enough saliva in your mouth, it causes a dry mouth. 

Moreover, a weird taste in the mouth from Adderall can also result from the drug’s effect on the appetite. Besides, it can have other side effects on your body that can cause bad breath, like dehydration and constipation. 

However, the drug is illegal to use without a prescription as it can cause drug interactions. It can lead to some health side effects. Some of them are the following:

How Do You Stop Bad Breath From Medication?

Bad breath can affect anyone, but if you are taking medication, then it can be even more common. Especially, Adderall’s metallic taste in the mouth is more likely to happen. The question is, how to deal with bad breath caused by medicine? 

Here are some remedies for you. Take a quick look!

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Good dental hygiene is one of the most effective and simple strategies to prevent bad breath from Adderall. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss once a day, and gargle with an antimicrobial mouthwash. 

Also, you should avoid foods that cause bad breath, such as onions, garlic, and other spicy foods.

Scrape Your Tongue

Most people believe that brushing their teeth is sufficient to maintain fresh breath. However, germs that live on the tongue, not the teeth, create a lot of bad breath. Getting rid of the bacteria that cause foul breath is the best method to avoid bad breath from Adderall.

Bacteria thrive on your tongue, so scrape it off on a regular basis. A tongue scraper is available at any pharmacy. Alternatively, lightly swipe a spoon across your tongue. Some of the bacteria that cause bad breath will be eliminated as a result of this.

If your bad breath persists after scraping your tongue, make an appointment with your dentist. They might be able to tell you what’s causing the problem and how to remedy it.

Chew Gum

Like many other stimulants, Adderall reduces saliva production, which causes mouth dryness. A dry mouth increases the number of bacteria in your mouth, contributing to bad breath.

Chew gum can help combat Adderall breath and mouth dryness. Chewing gum causes your salivary glands to generate more saliva, which helps wash bacteria from the mouth. And it doesn’t have to be anything fancy — regular old minty gum will do the trick fine!

Staying Well-Hydrated

Bad taste in the mouth Adderall usually happens due to a lack of saliva. So, moistening your mouth can help to reduce Adderall’s side effects. You should drink water and milk for healthier teeth. Also, avoid carbonated drinks or sugary juices, as they can worsen your teeth’ health. 

Eat More Fruits and Vegetables 

The best way to prevent bad breath from Adderall is to eat a healthy and nutritious diet. When unhealthy foods are consumed, the body’s metabolism slows, increasing waste products.

That’s why people who take more sugary products often have bad breath.

If you consume more fruits and vegetables, your body will be able to digest Adderall and other stimulants. 

Fruits and vegetables can help with bad breath due to their cleansing effect on the mouth. They are also high in vitamin C, which helps prevent gum disease, which can lead to halitosis.

Eating a well-balanced diet will also help with other adverse effects of Adderall, such as weight loss and decreased appetite.

Limit or Avoid Caffeine

People who take Adderall should try to limit or avoid caffeine as much as possible. It also includes coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate. When on Adderall, people tend to drink a lot of caffeinated beverages to stay awake and alert. 

However, caffeine is a diuretic, which means it causes the body to lose more water than usual (through urination). This can lead to dehydration and dry mouth, increasing the chances of bad breath.

Instead, try drinking plenty of water or sucking on sugar-free candy to keep your mouth moist. Additionally, chew sugar-free gum or brush your teeth regularly to remove odor-causing bacteria.

When Should I See a Doctor?

No matter what your age, it’s important to take good care of teeth and gums. When you aren’t feeling well, you might wonder whether the problem is serious enough to see a doctor.

Consider visiting a doctor if you are encountering the following problems: 

If Adderall dry mouth and bad breath are not improving with the hygienic oral habits or precautions, you may have Adderall tooth decay. Therefore, you should visit your doctor or dentist for better treatment. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Adderall cause a metallic taste?

Due to Adderall’s effects, the majority of patients report a “metallic” taste. You can detect a metallic or bitter taste in your mouth if you take Adderall. The metallic taste can make this drug uncomfortable for the individual using it.

Does Adderall give you a dry mouth?

Yes, it does. You might experience a “cottony, dusty, or sandy” feeling that lacks moisture or a metallic taste in your mouth. It can be described as a type of “salty” or “metallic” flavor on the back of your tongue.

Can Adderall cause tooth pain?

Adderall can cause tooth decay and even tooth loss. Eventually, it may result in tooth pain with jaw or mouth inflammation. When you take Adderall, your heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature all go up. This could provide the illusion of pain in some parts of the mouth. However, you can cure these side effects with oral care.

Will Adderall rot your teeth?

Misuse of Adderall drugs may lead to certain problems. These may include bruxism, extensive mouth dryness, and mouth lesion. It may also cause periodontal lesions, and tooth decay along with increasing the risk of cavities. 

Closing Thoughts

Does Adderall Make Your Breath Smell Bad? Adderall and other amphetamines can reduce salivation, which can cause dry mouth. It further leads to bad breath. 

Some people may complain, “Adderall makes my teeth feel weird.” But, luckily, you can fix Adderall dry mouth and tooth decay with the following home remedies.

A regular dental care routine may help keep your breath smelling fresh between Adderall dosages. While the Adderall effects do not stay forever, there are many strategies to reduce the adverse impact without seeing a doctor.