People often notice they have bad breath after eating certain foods. Onion and garlic are two common causes of halitosis, also known as bad breath. However, if the problem persists, it may be due to the teeth, gums, or tongue, and changing oral hygiene habits can resolve it.
At times, however, people need to know how to go about fixing bad breath from the stomach. This halitosis is the result of a problem within the stomach, intestines, or esophagus. Medical treatment will be needed to resolve the issue. What might a doctor suggest to resolve the issue?
Improve Gut Health
An individual might find they need to change their eating plan to improve their gut health. A healthy, balanced diet will support the beneficial microbes in the mouth and digestive tract. Processed foods, such as those with added sugars, can interfere with digestion and may lead to tooth decay and/or bad breath. A registered dietitian can help the individual create a plan to improve their gut health and eliminate halitosis.
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease are two common culprits of bad breath originating in the stomach. The stomach’s contents move up the esophagus when the esophageal sphincter is weak. These contents may enter the mouth and contain substances such as bile, stomach acid, and undigested food. The individual will have bad breath when this happens. Men and women with acid reflux often have other symptoms, such as a bitter taste in their mouth and heartburn.
Treating heartburn is easy. A person can take over-the-counter antacids to relieve heartburn. However, if the acid reflux occurs more than twice weekly, the individual may be diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease and need a prescription proton pump inhibitor to resolve the bad breath.
Lifestyle changes can also help address bad breath that originates in the stomach. Certain foods and beverages are known to trigger acid reflux, including highly acidic ones. Examples of foods and drinks in this category include spicy foods, caffeine, mint, and carbonated beverages. Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, managing one’s weight, and waiting a few hours after eating to lie down, will help in reducing acid reflux and GERD.
Trigger Foods
People often know which foods trigger bad breath in them. For example, one person might find they have bad breath whenever they consume alcoholic beverages, and another person will discover they struggle with halitosis after drinking coffee. Cruciferous vegetables are a common cause of bad breath, and individuals may notice it after eating dairy products. Known culprits for causing halitosis include garlic, onions, pickled foods, and fish.
Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene reduces a person’s risk of bad breath. Everyone should brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day. Following up with mouthwash or a rinse will help reduce the risk of bad breath, and individuals can benefit greatly from using a tongue scraper.
Regular dental cleanings prevent plaque from accumulating on the teeth. Experts recommend that an individual have their teeth cleaned at least once every six months. However, the dentist may recommend more frequent cleaning based on what they see during dental exams.
People often find that making lifestyle changes helps reduce their halitosis. In addition to the steps outlined above, they may choose to use a mint mouthwash to help mask the odor of bad breath. Consuming fewer alcoholic beverages and avoiding them completely may help resolve the issue. Replace alcoholic drinks with water to reduce the risk of dry mouth, which can lead to bad breath. Avoiding tobacco use will also help improve one’s breath odor.
Gut Microbiome
Some people find that their bad breath results from an imbalance in their gut microbiome. Every person has bacteria living in their digestive system. Some of the bacteria are helpful, while others are harmful. When harmful bacteria grow out of control, a person might develop bad breath and stomach ulcers. These problems arise due to Helicobacter pylori. The doctor will need to prescribe antibiotics to reduce the levels of harmful bacteria and improve the individual’s breath.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease can also lead to bad breath. Sadly, many people don’t realize they have gum disease until they see a dentist. When bacteria build up in the mouth, plaque forms, leading to halitosis and gum disease. Individuals who visit their dentist every six months are at lower risk of gum disease and can receive prompt treatment if any signs are seen during a regular checkup. This treatment may require a visit to their primary care physician or a gastroenterologist.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease often experience bad breath. This autoimmune disorder results from genetic and environmental factors that trigger inflammation in the digestive system. When a person seeks treatment for their inflammatory bowel disease, the doctor works to manage the inflammation within the digestive tract. The individual may be treated with medications and adjunct therapies. The doctor will likely also recommend lifestyle changes.
Anyone struggling with bad breath should see their physician. Many people attempt to treat this condition at home unless the smell is horrible. If the problem persists, they may give in and see their doctor. They could be dealing with multiple things, such as those outlined above, or something more serious, like stomach cancer.
On the other hand, a person might first visit their dentist to learn why they are experiencing bad breath. They may believe it is related to their gums and teeth, when in fact it is a medical condition. The dentist may refer them to their physician for further diagnosis and treatment.
Regardless of which professional a person chooses to see first, help is available. The person might find they need to see their dentist, their primary care provider, and a gastroenterologist to resolve the problem. Nobody should have to live with bad breath, and treatments are available. The sooner a person makes an appointment to have this problem checked out, the sooner they will be able to obtain relief and have fresh-smelling breath once again.
