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Having bad breath can be off-putting, not just for you but also for people who come into close contact with you. It is commonly associated with poor oral hygiene, bacterial growth in the mouth, and factors such as dry mouth. However, an upset stomach can also affect how your breath smells. This is because digestive health plays a crucial role in breath odour. While poor digestion can release foul-smelling compounds, stomach issues like constipation may lead to the reabsorption of toxins into the bloodstream, affecting breath.
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Suraj Bhagat, Senior Consultant, Dept. of Gastroenterology, Amrita Hospital Faridabad, helps us understand this link better.
Acid Reflux And Bad Breath
Acid reflux or indigestion can be a common cause of bad breath or halitosis, says Dr Bhagat.
It is a condition that occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest, also called heartburn. The chronic cause of acid reflux is referred to as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
According to a 2022 study published in the journal Przeglad Gastroenterologiczny, people with GERD were much more likely to have bad breath compared to those with other conditions, including functional dyspepsia, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer. Interestingly, bad breath wasn’t linked to other GERD symptoms like stomach pain or bloating; instead, it was mainly associated with “typical oesophageal symptoms of GERD, such as heartburn, regurgitation, and sour taste in the mouth.”
Understanding H. Pylori And Its Association With Bad Breath
Dr Bhagat says, “Bad breath occurs due to the production of volatile sulphur compounds like hydrogen sulphide and methylmercaptan due to bacterial activity in the digestive system.”
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is therefore one of the most common causes of bad breath.
H. pylori is a type of bacteria that can infect the stomach lining. It is often contracted through contaminated food or water and can lead to various digestive issues, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and, in some cases, an increased risk of stomach cancer.
A 2008 study published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology investigated whether the bacteria H. pylori, known for causing stomach ulcers and cancer, might also contribute to bad breath.
They found H. pylori in 6.4% of all samples and more often in people with deeper gum pockets, bleeding gums, and certain other mouth bacteria. This suggests H. pylori might live in the mouth, especially in people with gum disease, and potentially contribute to bad breath indirectly.
Research suggests that treating H. pylori infection can significantly reduce bad breath in infected individuals. In one study, bad breath affected over 60% of people with H. pylori but dropped to just 12% after successful treatment.
Also Read: Can H. Pylori Increase The Risk Of Stomach Cancer? Expert Explains
Improve Your Digestion
While improving oral hygiene is crucial for preventing bad breath, it is also important to improve your digestive health to minimise the risk of bad mouth odour. Here are some key strategies:
- Increase fibre intake through fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes
- Limit processed foods containing unhealthy fats, refined sugars, and artificial ingredients
- Drink plenty of water as it helps flush out toxins and digestive byproducts
- Manage stress by practising relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation to manage stress levels
- Exercise regularly
- Promote the growth of good bacteria by having probiotics or fermented foods like yoghurt and kimchi
- Quit smoking as it is bad for your oral as well as digestive health
Conclusion
Poor dental hygiene is the primary cause of bad breath. However, your digestive health can also contribute to it. Factors such as digestion-related conditions, acid reflux, and bacterial activity in the gastrointestinal tract can contribute to unpleasant breath. Therefore, besides practising good oral hygiene, ensure that you follow lifestyle habits that promote digestive health. Increase your fibre intake and limit eating processed foods. Exercise regularly and stay hydrated. Additionally, consult a healthcare professional if your symptoms persist for long periods of time.
