Bad Breath From Stomach Problems

  Most people would think that bad breath comes from the mouth only but that isn’t the case. Bad breath can come from a number of places and did you know that your stomach is one of them? Almost half the population suffers from bad breath caused by factors other than food, drinks and cigarettes. Of those people around 10% come from health issues such as diabetes, liver and kidney disease. The number of people who actually suffer bad breath caused by stomach problems is a lot lower but it is still a concern for them.

Here are a few ways the stomach can cause bad breath and what we can do about it :

Ulcers

Ulcers that are caused by bacteria can lead to bad breath. Researchers have reported that a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori which is the bacteria that causes a common ulcer, can cause bad breath. Luckily antibiotics offer an effective way to eliminate this bacteria that causes stomach ulcers. There are some conflicting studies, H. pylori itself doesn’t cause a foul odour however patients with H. pylori also carried Prevotella Intermedia which is the major periodontal causing bacteria. If you had bad breath and ulcers check with your doctor to see if they may be related.

Reflux Disease  

Another cause for bad breath from the stomach could be Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This is cause by acid that splashed back up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest and throat. One of the symptoms of this disease is bad breath. It can also cause erosion to the teeth from the acid carrying into your mouth and weakening the teeth. With the damages this can cause it makes it easier for bacteria to grow.

You can find other causes of bad breath that are not related to the stomach

How bad is my bad breath?  

Many people who think they have bad breath actually don’t have it at all. Although there is a test to check for the presence of sulfur most dentist will just do a sniff test, if bad breath is present they will check the teeth and gums for any problems. Once the dentist checks the teeth, if there are no cavities and the gums are healthy chances are the bacteria are on the tongue so make sure to brush your tongue when you’re brushing your teeth.
After cavities and gum disease, bad breath is the third most common reason why people seek out professional dental treatment. If you feel you are experiencing upper gastrointestinal problems such as pain, or heartburn, a medical exam is also required. You don’t have to live with bad breath caused from stomach problems.