How does acid reflux cause bad breath. What are the most effective treatments for GERD-related halitosis. Can lifestyle changes help improve breath in acid reflux sufferers. What foods should be avoided to reduce acid reflux and bad breath. Are there over-the-counter medications that can treat both GERD and halitosis.

Understanding the Link Between Acid Reflux and Bad Breath

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), commonly known as acid reflux, is a condition where stomach contents flow backward into the esophagus. This regurgitation can lead to various symptoms, including heartburn, a sour taste in the mouth, and notably, bad breath or halitosis. But how exactly does acid reflux cause bad breath?

The primary mechanism involves the backward flow of stomach acids and partially digested food into the esophagus and sometimes even the mouth. This creates an environment conducive to bacterial growth, which is the primary cause of bad breath. Additionally, the acidic nature of the reflux can irritate the throat and mouth, further exacerbating the problem.

Can acid reflux cause you to smell your own bad breath?

Yes, it’s possible for individuals with acid reflux to smell their own bad breath. This is because the refluxed stomach contents can reach the back of the throat and even the mouth, leaving a distinct odor. However, it’s worth noting that our ability to smell our own breath is often limited due to olfactory adaptation, where we become less sensitive to persistent odors.

What does acid reflux breath smell like?

Acid reflux-related bad breath often has a characteristic sour or acidic smell. This is due to the presence of stomach acids in the mouth and throat. Some people describe it as having a “rotten egg” odor, which can be attributed to the presence of sulfur-containing compounds in the refluxed material.

Identifying the Root Cause: Faulty Lower Esophageal Sphincter

At the heart of most acid reflux cases lies a faulty lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This muscular valve acts as a barrier between the esophagus and stomach, normally opening to allow food passage and then closing tightly to prevent backflow. When the LES is weakened or relaxed, it fails to close properly, allowing stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus.

Several factors can contribute to a weakened LES, including:

• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Smoking
• Certain medications
• Hiatal hernia
• Consuming large meals
• Eating close to bedtime

Understanding these contributing factors is crucial in developing an effective treatment plan for both acid reflux and the resulting bad breath.

Lifestyle Modifications to Combat GERD and Halitosis

While medical interventions are available for severe cases of GERD, lifestyle changes can significantly improve symptoms for many individuals. These modifications not only help manage acid reflux but also contribute to fresher breath.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is a double threat when it comes to GERD and bad breath. It not only causes bad breath on its own but also relaxes the LES, exacerbating acid reflux. Moreover, smoking increases the risk of various cancers, including those of the mouth, throat, and digestive system. Quitting smoking is therefore one of the most impactful steps you can take to improve both your breath and overall health.

Elevate Your Upper Body While Sleeping

Gravity can be your ally in preventing nighttime reflux. Elevating the head of your bed by 6 inches or using a wedge pillow can help keep stomach contents where they belong. This simple adjustment can significantly reduce nocturnal reflux episodes and, consequently, morning breath issues.

Adjust Your Eating Habits

How and when you eat can greatly influence GERD symptoms. Consider these strategies:

1. Wait at least 2-3 hours after eating before lying down
2. Opt for smaller, more frequent meals instead of large ones
3. Chew gum after meals to stimulate saliva production and neutralize acid

These habits can help reduce the likelihood of reflux and freshen your breath naturally.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess weight, especially around the abdomen, can put pressure on the stomach and LES, increasing the likelihood of reflux. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce GERD symptoms and improve overall health.

Dietary Modifications to Reduce Acid Reflux and Bad Breath

Your diet plays a crucial role in managing GERD and associated bad breath. Certain foods can trigger or exacerbate reflux by relaxing the LES or increasing stomach acidity. Others may directly contribute to bad breath.

Foods to Limit or Avoid

• Alcohol
• Caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea)
• Onions and garlic
• Citrus fruits and juices
• Tomato products
• Peppermint
• Spicy foods
• Chocolate
• Fried or fatty foods

While these foods don’t affect everyone with GERD equally, keeping a food diary can help you identify your personal triggers.

Beneficial Foods for GERD and Fresh Breath

Incorporating certain foods into your diet can help manage GERD symptoms and promote fresher breath:

• High-fiber foods: These aid digestion and help prevent reflux
• Lean proteins: Choose fish, poultry, and plant-based proteins over fatty meats
• Non-citrus fruits: Melons, pears, and bananas are less likely to trigger reflux
• Vegetables: Most vegetables are GERD-friendly and promote good breath
• Whole grains: These complex carbohydrates are less likely to cause reflux than refined grains

Remember to stay hydrated with water throughout the day. Water not only helps wash away bacteria that can cause bad breath but is also less likely to trigger reflux compared to other beverages.

Over-the-Counter and Prescription Medications for GERD and Halitosis

When lifestyle and dietary changes aren’t sufficient to control GERD symptoms and associated bad breath, various medications can provide relief:

Antacids

These provide quick relief by neutralizing stomach acid. Some chewable antacids even include breath-freshening ingredients, addressing both GERD and halitosis simultaneously. Examples include calcium carbonate (TUMS) and aluminum and magnesium hydroxide (Mylanta).

H2 Blockers

Histamine blockers reduce acid production in the stomach. They provide longer-lasting relief than antacids but may take longer to take effect. Examples include famotidine (Pepcid) and cimetidine (Tagamet).

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

PPIs are the most potent acid-reducing medications available. They work by blocking acid production in the stomach and are typically used for more severe or persistent GERD cases. Examples include omeprazole (Prilosec) and esomeprazole (Nexium).

It’s important to note that while these medications can effectively manage GERD symptoms, some may cause dry mouth as a side effect, which can ironically contribute to bad breath. Always consult with your healthcare provider about potential side effects and the most appropriate treatment options for your specific situation.

Natural Remedies and Supplements for GERD-Related Bad Breath

In addition to conventional treatments, several natural remedies and supplements may help manage GERD symptoms and improve breath:

Probiotics

These beneficial bacteria can help restore balance to your digestive system, potentially reducing reflux and improving overall oral health. Probiotic-rich foods include yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables.

Digestive Enzymes

Supplementing with digestive enzymes may help your body break down food more efficiently, reducing the likelihood of reflux. However, more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness in GERD management.

Herbal Remedies

Certain herbs have been traditionally used to soothe digestive issues:

• Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to aid digestion
• Licorice root: May help increase the mucus coating of the esophageal lining, protecting against acid
• Chamomile: Can have a calming effect on the digestive system

While these natural remedies show promise, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you’re taking other medications.

When to Seek Professional Help for GERD and Halitosis

While many cases of GERD-related bad breath can be managed with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter treatments, there are instances where professional medical intervention is necessary. Consider seeking help from a healthcare provider if:

• Your symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes and OTC medications
• You experience severe or frequent heartburn
• You have difficulty swallowing or feel like food is stuck in your throat
• You’re losing weight unintentionally
• You develop a persistent cough or hoarseness
• Your bad breath is severe and doesn’t improve with self-care measures

A healthcare provider can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include tests such as an endoscopy or pH monitoring, to determine the severity of your GERD and develop an appropriate treatment plan. They can also rule out other potential causes of bad breath, such as sinus infections, tonsil stones, or dental issues.

Long-Term Management and Prevention of GERD-Related Halitosis

Managing GERD and its associated bad breath is often a long-term endeavor. Here are some strategies for ongoing management and prevention:

Regular Dental Check-ups

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for preventing bad breath, regardless of its cause. Regular dental check-ups can help identify and address any oral health issues that may be contributing to halitosis.

Stress Management

Stress can exacerbate GERD symptoms in some individuals. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or regular exercise into your routine may help manage both stress and GERD symptoms.

Ongoing Dietary Awareness

Continue to be mindful of your diet, avoiding trigger foods and maintaining a balanced, GERD-friendly eating plan. Remember that dietary triggers can change over time, so it’s important to stay attuned to your body’s responses.

Medication Management

If you’re taking medications for GERD, work closely with your healthcare provider to ensure they remain effective and appropriate for your needs. Some individuals may be able to reduce or discontinue medication use as symptoms improve, while others may need ongoing treatment.

Lifestyle Consistency

Maintain the lifestyle changes that have proven effective for you, such as elevated sleeping positions, meal timing adjustments, and weight management. Consistency is key in long-term GERD management.

By implementing these strategies and working closely with healthcare professionals, individuals with GERD can effectively manage their symptoms and maintain fresh breath. Remember that everyone’s experience with GERD is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Patience and persistence in finding the right combination of treatments and lifestyle changes are often necessary for optimal results.

Acid Reflux and Bad Breath: Treatment

When you have acid reflux, your stomach contents flow backward into your throat. If this happens a lot, it can cause bad breath. There are several treatment strategies that can help.

The regurgitation of stomach contents can cause heartburn and a bitter or sour taste in your mouth. What’s more, you’re also likely to experience bad breath as a result of your symptoms.

Chronic acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a common medical condition. Acid reflux is the backward flow of stomach contents into your esophagus, including undigested food, regurgitated bile, and stomach acids. This can lead to bad breath.

The primary cause of acid reflux in most people is a faulty or relaxed lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

The LES is a valve-like muscle (like a thick rubber band) that forms a barrier between your esophagus and your stomach. When the LES works properly, it opens when you swallow to let food enter the stomach and then closes tightly. A faulty LES remains open, allowing acids to flow back into your throat.

Bad breath can be controlled not only by managing your GERD, but also by making a few lifestyle changes.

Lifestyle changes can help prevent reflux, which can help your breath stay fresh.

First, you should quit smoking if you’re currently a smoker. Smoking causes bad breath by itself. Plus, nicotine products cause your LES to relax, allowing acid reflux into your esophagus. Smoking also increases your risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, and colon.

Other adjustments to counter GERD symptoms include:

• waiting at least 2 to 3 hours to lie down after you eat
• putting a six-inch board or wedge pillow under the head of your bed to raise your torso and reduce pressure on your LES
• eating smaller meals throughout the day rather than three large meals
• reaching and maintaining a healthy weight to help reduce pressure on the LES
• using chewing gum to freshen breath and decrease reflux

Modifying how and what you eat can help relieve GERD symptoms and bad breath. Many foods can aggravate acid reflux by relaxing the LES or increasing acidity in the stomach. Some can also cause bad breath.

You may want to limit or avoid these foods:

• alcohol
• coffee and teas that contain caffeine
• onions
• garlic
• citrus fruits and juices
• tomato products
• peppermint
• spicy foods
• chocolate
• fried or fatty foods

Eat foods that are rich in fiber to fight bad breath. Fiber helps digestion run smoothly so that reflux and obstruction are less likely to occur.

Fibrous foods also keep you feeling full longer and may help you maintain your weight. GERD has been linked to being overweight, so talk to your doctor about losing weight to relieve acid reflux and heartburn. Losing excess weight also decreases your risk of a hiatal hernia, which can also increase GERD symptoms.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to refresh your breath. Water is less likely than other beverages to upset your stomach or weaken your LES. It also helps wash away bacteria that can lead to bad breath. Be sure to choose still water instead of sparkling, as carbonation can increase heartburn symptoms in some people.

Several types of over-the-counter and prescription-strength medications can treat GERD, including:

• histamine blockers (h3 blockers)
• proton pump inhibitors
• antacids, such as calcium carbonate (TUMS) or aluminum and magnesium hydroxide (Mylanta)

Some chewable antacids include breath-freshening ingredients and will relieve both symptoms at once.

Other GERD medications and drugs can lead to dry mouth. Dry mouth occurs when your salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva. This can be uncomfortable, and it can also cause bad breath. Ask your doctor about solutions for dry mouth and the potential side effects of all drugs you take.

Bad breath is a symptom associated with GERD. In many cases, it’s easily remedied. Talk to your doctor about lifestyle changes and medications that can minimize your acid reflux and the resulting bad breath.

How to Treat Bad Breath from Acid Reflux

Acid reflux and bad breath usually go hand-in-hand, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with bad breath forever. In this article, we discuss the cause of acid reflux, as well as some immediate remedies you can apply right now to improve your breath.

So, how do you treat bad breath from acid reflux? Medicinal intervention is usually applied to more advanced cases, but making lifestyle changes are great for getting long-term results. Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption, and taking antacids are all great ways to alleviate acid reflux and prevent bad breath.

1 How to Treat Bad Breath from Acid Reflux

1.1 What Is Acid Reflux

1.1.1 Can acid reflux give you bad breath?

1.1.2 Can acid reflux cause you to smell your own bad breath?

1.1.3 What does acid reflux breath smell like?

1.2 Signs Your Bad Breath Is Caused by Acid Reflux

1.3 The Causes of Bad Breath from Acid Reflux

1. 4 Home Remedies for Acid Reflux Breath

1.5 Treating Bad Breath from Acid Reflux

1.5.1 Lifestyle

1.5.2 Medical

1.6 Treating Acid Reflux: When Will It Go Away?

1.7 Quick Fixes

What Is Acid Reflux

Acid reflux, also known as heartburn, is a common condition characterized by pain in the lower chest. This usually happens when stomach acids bubble up to the esophagus, the tube moving food from the mouth down to the stomach.

A muscle called the gastroesophageal sphincter is responsible for keeping stomach acid right where it belongs. However, certain triggers can cause the “valve” to malfunction, and the acid is brought back up to the esophagus. Other contents including bile and undigested food particles can also make their way to the esophagus.

Read more: Does Working out Make Acid Reflux Worse?

Although common, acid reflux can develop into a chronic condition. Persistent acid reflux symptoms that manifest more than twice a week will be characterized as GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease. At this point, physicians may recommend medical intervention to manage the disease.

Can acid reflux give you bad breath?

Aside from heartburn, the most common complaint of patients experiencing acid reflux is bad breath. Stomach contents may regurgitate back to the esophagus, including any stomach acids, bile, and undigested food that will linger in your esophagus and creep up your pharynx, causing bad breath.

Can acid reflux cause you to smell your own bad breath?

Acids attaching to the walls of your esophagus can be smelled by other people. This is because gas particles can also attach to the tongue, which can aggravate the bad smell. Patients with acid reflux often report burping, which can also intensify the smell of the stomach acid.

On the other hand, acid reflux breath may also be smelled by the patient. In some cases, patients report smelling their own breath even without opening their mouth. Bile wafts from the stomach up to the nose, which produces a pungent, often acidic smell.

What does acid reflux breath smell like?

Acid reflux on its own smells like bile. Anything sulfuric, pungent, strong, and acidic can be characterized as acid reflux smell. Patients also report different smells based on the medicine they are taking to manage GERD.

Any sort of smell present in the mouth can be symptomatic of ulcers and other gastrointestinal problems. We recommend getting checked by a gastroenterologist to rule out acid reflux and other possible diseases.

Signs Your Bad Breath Is Caused by Acid Reflux

Bad breath is typically managed by flossing, brushing the teeth, and using mouthwash. However, more persistent cases of bad breath could point to problems that don’t have anything to do with the mouth.

Here are some signs that bad breath is being caused by acid reflux:

1. It’s related to food. When bad breath seems to follow any eating pattern, it may be because of gastrointestinal problems. Whether it’s eating too much or too little, eating spicy or sour food, the point is that the bad breath is triggered by a feeding pattern.

When you observe that the bad breath comes after drinking coffee, it could be that the acid in the coffee is triggering stomach acids, leading to bad reflux. Test out your breath after eating certain foods and see if any feeding habits trigger bad breath.

2. It coincides with other digestive symptoms. Constipation, bloating, burping, and pain can all be signs of acid reflux. This is especially true when digestive symptoms come right after a feeding pattern.

After drinking coffee, do you experience cramps in your lower abdomen? Do you start burping and experience a strong metallic taste in your mouth? Paying attention to your body’s physical reactions to food is an effective way of ruling out the cause of bad breath.

3. Your breath smells sour or acidic. Bile is commonly described as sourness accompanied by a burning sensation. Stomach acid backflow into the esophagus usually comes in the form of bile, which is a distinct sign of acid reflux and indigestion.

4. It gets worse with caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco use. Acid reflux is caused by the gastroesophageal sphincter weakening, leading to regurgitation of stomach contents back to the esophagus.

Ingredients in caffeinated and alcoholic products are known to weaken the gastroesophageal sphincter. Other foods such as chocolate, foods high in fat and acid, as well as mint, onions, and garlic may produce the same reaction.

5. You feel discomfort in your throat. Acid backflow is usually accompanied with a strong acidic sensation in the throat, precisely because the acid is not meant to occur outside the stomach.

If your throat feels scratchy, itchy, or tingly after burping, these are clear signs of acid reflux. A burning sensation in the throat accompanied by bad smell is a telling sign you have stomach problems.

6. Your tonsils are affected. Some patients may instinctively visit their dentist for a consultation after discovering that they have bad breath. Dentists can provide a preliminary diagnosis by ruling out the cause of bad breath.

Inflammation around the throat, together with acid erosion on the teeth, are signs to watch out for. Your dentist may recommend a visit to a physician after the dental exam once signs of irritation are found.

The Causes of Bad Breath from Acid Reflux

Acid reflux itself isn’t the reason behind bad breath. There are two ways this situation could aggravate the smelly symptoms, and cause longer episodes of foul oral breath:

1. Tooth Decay: The stomach may be exposed to these strong acids, but it is also lined with a protective barrier that keeps the acid from “burning” the stomach. However, other parts of the body don’t have this lining and will be susceptible to acid damage, given prolonged exposure.

Over time, acid wafting up through the esophagus and to the mouth can cause teeth to slowly erode and rot. The build-up of decaying matter around the teeth could contribute to the bad smell, especially after the teeth rots. Maintain proper oral hygiene to prevent plaque and bacteria accumulation on and between your teeth.

2. Bacteria In Mouth and Throat: The esophagus is designed to be a highway for the food from the mouth to the stomach. With acid reflux, there is a backward flow or particles that are not meant to stay in the esophagus.

When left untreated, bacteria can grow on the walls of the esophagus, leading to bad breath. Irritation, itchiness, and a tingling sensation are signs of bacteria presence in the throat.

Home Remedies for Acid Reflux Breath

• Observe good oral hygiene
• Drink pineapple juice
• Consume a lot of water
• Have some healthy yogurt to promote good bacteria growth
• Drink milk to counteract bad breath
• Eat a slice of orange or lemon after meals
• Use products with zinc to keep bad breath at bay
• Drink green tea
• Snack with apples
• Make a homemade mouthwash with vinegar or baking soda

Treating Bad Breath from Acid Reflux

One definitive way to treat bad breath is to treat the cause of acid reflux. Triggers can be anything from simple lifestyle choices to treatable gastrointestinal problems. Common causes include:

Lifestyle

• Being obese or overweight
• Putting pressure on the stomach valve by eating too much food at once
• Lying down immediately after meals
• Snacking close to bedtime
• Eating foods that are highly acidic
• Consuming large amounts of fatty, fried, or spicy foods

Medical

• Patients with hiatal hernia are known to experience acid reflux. This occurs when the upper part of the stomach bulges and moves above the diaphragm.
• Pregnant women commonly experience acid reflux during pregnancy. Symptoms worsen over the course of the third trimester, but immediately go away after delivery
• Taking medication such as ibuprofen, muscle relaxers, and blood pressure regulators

Treating Acid Reflux: When Will It Go Away?

Acid reflux usually goes away on its own. On the other hand, those with chronic acid reflux or GERD may be prescribed with medication to help with acid reflux. Not all GERD medication are compatible with one patient, so it may take a while to find the right treatment.

Bad breath can go away in as little as a week up to three weeks, depending on your treatment plan.

Quick Fixes

The best way to get rid of bad breath caused by acid reflux is to treat acid reflux itself. On the other hand, knowing some quick fixes can help you get through an entire day without having to worry about acid reflux breath:

• Stay hydrated. Always have a glass of water next to you. Dilute the stomach acid as much as possible by drinking large amounts of water.
• Consider mint and parsley. Both are known to help with bad breath so keep an eye out for these garnishes when dining with people.
• Use raw lemon. Lemon is said to help keep the gastroesophageal sphincter close. A slice or two is fine; consuming acid more than necessary may worsen acid reflux.
• Use antacids to neutralize stomach acidity. Some antacids are best used 20-30 minutes before or after a meal. Follow clear instructions to make the most out of the medicine.
• Take some deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) chews. DGL chews are known to increase mucus production, which helps protect the esophagus and stomach from acid exposure. These are also typically prescribed to help with ulcer, although not to the extent that they replace antacids.
• Don’t drink coffee on an empty stomach. Make sure to grab something to eat before consuming anything caffeinated or carbonated.
• Refrain from overeating. Similarly, eating too much can put a lot of load on the gastroesophageal sphincter, which can worsen acid reflux. Eat moderately and stay away from spicy and acidic food until symptoms improve.

Do you think your bad breath is a sign of a stomach problem? Book a consultation with Gastro Center NJ today to get a proper diagnosis on your stomach health.

Bad breath due to disruption of the stomach

The condition in which bad breath occurs is called halitosis. Its appearance often indicates diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, but may not be associated with them. Halitosis is not an independent pathology, the danger lies in the so-called social disability [1]. Bad breath during a conversation or just on the exhale harms the image, repulsive effect on others.

If the smell from the mouth comes from the stomach

The simplest knowledge about halitosis will be useful to everyone who cares about their health and attractiveness.

The list of causes of bad breath comes down to just three points:

• vital activity of bacteria;
• metabolic disorder;
• ingestion of food containing volatile substances.

However, in some people the smell occurs rarely and for a short time, in others it lasts all the time. What explains this?

Many feel heartburn and bad taste in the mouth and worry about the smell in the morning after yesterday’s feast. However, if spicy and odorous foods, alcohol and smoking are present in a person’s life most often on holidays, the problem is solved by itself, and there is no cause for concern. It is enough to brush your teeth, use mouthwash or chewing gum, and until the next day, if possible, reduce personal contacts. When the body returns to its normal state, metabolism, bacteria and volatile substances will no longer provoke odor. This is a temporary phenomenon, and it is not halitosis.

Factors leading to longer lasting problems are summarized in a simple table.

Considering gastrointestinal diseases as the cause of halitosis, it is necessary to keep in mind the connections between the sections of the digestive system.

Everything starts with the intestines. Normally, it is inhabited by various microorganisms that make up its microflora. Violation of its composition leads to a number of pathologies. For example, stomach ulcers, as well as gastritis and gastroduodenitis, are caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Their vital activity can provoke an unpleasant smell from the stomach.

Helicobacter pylori is often found together with one of the main causative agents of periodontitis, Prevotella intermedia bacteria. Therefore, a visit to the dentist for gastritis is inevitable

Stomach Ulcer Causes Bad Breath, ScienceDaily, November 29, 2008

Incomplete closure of the sphincter between the esophagus and stomach causes a feeling of heartburn and sour belching. This phenomenon is called reflux. Gastric juice is highly acidic and can damage the mucosa of the esophagus, pharynx and oral cavity, as well as tooth enamel, which provokes the growth of bacteria and, as a result, an unpleasant odor coming from the esophagus or oral cavity.

It is important to monitor any such symptoms in time to prevent the development of gastrointestinal pathologies and the occurrence of severe complications.

How halitosis is diagnosed [8]

Often a person cannot objectively judge the presence of gastric odor from the mouth. It is common for suspicious people to find various symptoms that do not exist in reality, and halitosis is no exception [9].

The easiest way to check is to directly ask your loved ones if there is a smell. If you want to avoid discussing such a sensitive topic, you can check if the floss smells a few minutes after brushing your teeth. Another option is to evaluate the smell of plaque removed from the back of the tongue with a teaspoon or napkin (also not immediately, but after a short period of time). You can lick your wrist and smell it when the saliva dries. However, recent ingestion of spicy foods, onions and garlic, and alcohol may affect the test result.

Laboratory methods for diagnosing stomach odor in the mouth instruct the patient to abstain from certain foods and drinks and from smoking the day before the procedure. A doctor can determine the presence of a smell using his own senses or a special device – a halimeter.

Interestingly, the test for the presence of H. pylori in the body is also respiratory. When infected with these bacteria, urease is produced, an enzyme that quickly breaks down urea. The patient needs to drink a composition containing urea, which is enriched with a carbon isotope, and then exhale into a sealed container. The resulting sample is sent for analysis. The presence and concentration of bacteria in the stomach is determined by the content of the carbon isotope in the exhaled air.

How to get rid of bad breath due to stomach problems

First of all, it is necessary to identify and treat the underlying disease. Chewing gum, lozenges, dragees, sprays and other breath fresheners may be a temporary solution for the period of treatment. The selection of drugs and the scheme of their administration is the doctor’s business, self-treatment can lead to dysbacteriosis and antibiotic resistance [10, 11]. Thus, you can provoke new problems, but you can’t get rid of the smell. Concomitant pathologies, lifestyle, nutrition should also be taken under control. Only then will the treatment of stomach disease and bad breath be successful.

If a child has stomach bad breath , doctors advise focusing on hygiene issues, since antibiotics put too much stress on the child’s body. It is necessary to instill in babies good habits that prevent infection and the development of a bacterial infection. In addition to brushing your teeth and tongue, these include regular handwashing [12].

How to prevent halitosis

Visiting the dentist at least twice a year and good oral hygiene is a good prevention of halitosis. It is important to know that it is not only teeth and dentures that should be cleaned. Plaque on the tongue is an environment in which bacteria readily multiply, so it must be disposed of. To do this, you can use a Colgate® 360° toothbrush, which has a special scraper on the back. An antibacterial mouth rinse, such as Colgate® Total, is helpful to keep bacteria from growing throughout the day.

List of sources

[1] Suyunova M.Kh. Everything about halitosis: diagnosis, treatment and prevention (review article). Bulletin of the Council of Young Scientists and Specialists of the Chelyabinsk Region No. 4 (15), Vol. 1. // https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/vsyo-o-galitoze-diagnostika-lechenie-i-profilaktika-obzornaya-statya/viewer

[2] Disease prevention. Halitosis (bad breath). FBUZ “Center for Hygienic Education of the Population” of Rospotrebnadzor // http://cgon.rospotrebnadzor.ru/content/63/2103/

[3] Patients: what to know about intestinal dysbiosis. News RKB im. Semashko // http://rkbsemashko.ru/news/main/977/

[4] Symptoms of stomach problems. What does bad breath mean? Arguments and Facts, 20.03.2012 // https://aif.ru/health/life/31949

[5] Galonsky V. G., Tarasova N. V., Shushakova A. A., Bril E. A. , Tumshevits V. O. Halitosis: modern ideas about etiology and pathogenesis. Siberian Medical Review, 2011. // https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/galitoz-sovremennye-predstavleniya-ob-etiologii-i-patogeneze-soobschenie-i

[6] Nechaenko E. My mouth is dry. Fighting xerostomia. Arguments and Facts, 06/06/2017 // https://aif.ru/health/life/vo_rtu_peresohlo_boremsya_s_kserostomiey

[7] Stomach Ulcer Bug Causes Bad Breath, ScienceDaily, November 29, 2008 // https://www.sciencedaily. com/releases/2008/11/081123222846.htm

[8] Velivetskaya T. A. Ignatiev A. V. C-urease breath test based on precision isotope mass spectrometry. Electronic journal “Investigated in Russia” 1485 // https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/13s-ureaznyy-dyhatelnyy-test-na-baze-pretsizionnoy-izotopnoy-mass-spektrometii/viewer

[9] E. Yu. Medical scientific and practical portal “Attending Doctor”, December 27, 2012 // https://www.lvrach.ru/2012/10/15435565/

[10] San Francisco Health Plan (SFHP) recommendations for patients // http: //www. sfhp.org/files/member_materials/health_education/fact_sheets/antibiotics_r2_EN.pdf

[11] World Antibiotic Awareness Week. WHO materials // https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-antibiotic-awareness-week/2017/posters/ru/

[12] Interview to Rossiyskaya Gazeta with Dmitry Bordin, chief gastroenterologist of Moscow, 11/16/2017 // https://mosgorzdrav.ru/ru-RU/news/default/card/1570.html

Bad breath – causes , species, how to get rid of halitosis

Have you noticed bad breath? The medical term for this problem is halitosis. In general, this is a sign of improper oral hygiene, dental or other sores. Usually the smell appears for a while or lasts throughout the day, it can be slightly noticeable or distinct.

Together with our doctor Elizaveta Belova, we will tell you what can cause bad breath and how to get rid of it.

Contents

1. Smell from the mouth from disease
2. Types of halitosis
3. How to freshen your breath quickly
4. How to get rid of the smell

Why adults get bad breath

• Fragrant food 🧄
• Smoking
• Poor oral hygiene
• Dryness of the oral mucosa
• Medications

If you’ve eaten garlic, onions, cabbage, or heavily curried foods, we’ve got bad news – you can’t avoid halitosis. The reason is volatile sulfur compounds, which are formed during the digestion of food or after drinking alcohol. They smell unpleasantly of rotten eggs and bring pronounced discomfort to those around them.

These substances are absorbed into the esophagus/stomach, through the bloodstream into the lungs, and then out when we breathe. Therefore, rinsing or brushing your teeth will not stop halitosis until they are removed from the blood. An unpleasant smell can quickly disappear, or it can be persistent and last up to 3 days 😮 Chewing gum will help here a little – except that it will add notes of mint or other flavor to an unpleasant amber .

Halitosis is caused not only by substances from tobacco smoke deposited in the oral cavity. Smokers often suffer from gum disease, and they do not contribute to fresh breath. Therefore, it is better to get rid of this bad habit.

When we eat, a sticky coating of 90% bacteria forms on the teeth. The product of their excretion is the same ill-fated hydrogen sulfide, and the more it is, the more intense the smell. Therefore, high-quality teeth cleaning is our everything. It is also necessary to thoroughly clean artificial structures: braces, crowns, removable and non-removable dentures. Use dental floss or a mono-bundle brush to clean the interdental spaces and don’t forget about the tongue – bacteria and food particles can accumulate on it.

One of the functions of saliva is to wash away odor-causing particles. Most often, the mucous membrane dries up during sleep, especially with clogged sinuses. Daytime dryness of the mucosa can be caused by some diseases (diabetes, Sjögren’s syndrome) or pathologies of the salivary glands. Bad breath after sleep is observed in most people – and this is the norm. In this case, simply brushing your teeth with toothpaste or eating something hard, such as an apple, is enough.

Some of these have the side effect of dry mouth. Others, when split, release substances that enter the bloodstream, and then into the lungs.

Some drugs cause halitosis:

• antidepressants,
• certain medicines for lowering blood pressure,
• inhalation preparations for the treatment of bronchial asthma,
• drugs for angina pectoris, such as nitroglycerin.

Most common causes of halitosis

Odors from problems with teeth and gums

Halitosis can occur due to various diseases of the oral cavity:

• Plaque Food debris and microbes form a plaque film on enamel or in hard-to-reach interdental spaces. Plaque hardens into tartar, continues to rot, and a rotten smell appears.
• Plaque on the tongue Our tongue is made up of many papillae. Remains of food can clog between them, and pathogenic bacteria multiply, leading to inflammation of the tongue – glossitis.
• Caries Carious formations destroy dental tissue, forming a cavity in which plaque accumulates and rots. The smell will be especially bright with pulpitis – inflammation of the neurovascular bundle in the tooth cavity.
• Inflammatory gum disease – superficial inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) or the formation of deep periodontal pockets (periodontitis) Infected gums become inflamed, an abscess is formed with a fistulous tract through which pus comes out.
• Alveolitis Complication after tooth extraction – tooth socket does not heal. Food remains accumulate in it, which causes an unpleasant smell and taste.

Visit the dentist!

If the cause of halitosis of the mouth is dental disease, only a dental appointment will help get rid of bad breath. The dental hygienist will remove plaque formations to stop the reproduction of pathogenic microflora, and the therapist will treat caries or inflammation of the gums.

Odors from other diseases

ENT diseases

Often bad breath occurs in chronic tonsillitis. Pus accumulates in the palatine tonsils – the source of oral halitosis. This problem can also be from other respiratory diseases: post-nasal syndrome, sinusitis and other types of sinusitis, laryngitis, bronchitis or lung infections.

Diseases of the stomach, intestinal tract, endocrine or urinary system

Another bad smell comes from the following diseases:

• Diabetes mellitus – with complications of the disease, the smell of acetone is felt.
• GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) – since this disease causes the contents of the stomach to be thrown into the esophagus, the smell will be sour.
• Gastritis with increased or decreased acidity, gastric ulcer, biliary dyskinesia, liver failure – often there is an eructation with the smell of rotten eggs.
• Kidney failure or liver disease – in patients with these diseases, breath smells like ammonia (urine odor).

Oncopathology

Often putrid breath is observed in cancer patients. This is due to the fact that the decay products of the tumor enter the blood, and the organs of the digestive system are also damaged.

And why does the child have bad breath?

Very common cause of halitosis in children – infection from foreign objects (beads, buttons, small parts of toys).

Another common cause is adenoids . These are overgrowths of lymphoid tissue in the nasopharynx. They block the nasal passages. As a result, the child breathes mainly through the mouth, the mucous membrane dries up and saliva does not wash away the sources of “aromas”: pathogenic bacteria and plaque.

Children often brush their teeth poorly or do not brush them at all, so it is important for parents to control this process.

If the child does not have dental diseases, diseases of the digestive tract or metabolic disorders must be excluded.

Types of halitosis

1. True – sources of odor in the mouth or in the ENT organs.
2. Hematogenous – molecules of odorous substances circulate in the blood and are released during respiration.
3. Pseudogynosis – it seems that the breath is stale, but those around you do not feel it.
4. Halitophobia – persistent complaints of halitosis in the complete absence of problems in this part. This is already a psychosomatic disorder that requires the consultation of a psychotherapist.

In general, this is a common problem 😒

Halitosis is quite common: 30% of people suffer from it in one form or another.

So it’s no surprise that store shelves are overflowing with chewing gum, mint, mouthwash, and other products designed to combat bad breath.

5 quick ways to freshen your breath

Eat an apple or a carrot 🥕

1

Any other fruit or vegetable that smells good will also work. While you chew it, your teeth will be cleaned of plaque, and the aroma will kill the unpleasant amber.

Chew gum, aromatic herbs or spices

2

The secret of effectiveness is aromatic oils. They are found in dill, parsley, basil, mint, lemon balm, as well as in citrus peels, coffee beans, needles. The best spices are: anise, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves.

Brush your teeth and don’t forget your tongue

3

It is advisable to use toothpaste with a strong mint flavor. There are special toothbrushes and scrapers for cleaning the tongue. At worst, you can remove plaque with a teaspoon.

Use rinse aid

4

If this is not available, a solution of soda or salt (1 tsp per glass of water) will do. It is important to rinse your mouth and throat very thoroughly, in several passes. The rinse aid will wash away plaque, reduce acidity, and bacteria do not like this.

Drink some water

5

Water replenishes the fluid in the body, improves metabolism, and intensive production of saliva begins. Saliva washes away plaque formations, food debris.

These methods are not a panacea. If halitosis is caused by internal problems, you just have to try to stay away from the interlocutor, do not breathe into his face, cover your mouth with your palm. If you ate onions or garlic, try to feed them to your interlocutor (just kidding).

What to do – get rid of bad breath

The first thing to do if bad breath is not associated with the intake of “fragrant” food is to make an appointment with the dentist. Perhaps it will be enough for you to carry out a professional cleaning: remove tartar with ultrasound and thoroughly clean hard and soft plaque using the ClinPro or Air Flow procedure.

In any case, during the examination, the doctor will see all the problems and help get rid of them… In the inflammatory process, local treatment, physiotherapy will help, with deep periodontal pockets they are cleaned – curettage. In case of caries, it will be enough to clean the carious cavity and close it with a filling. If caries has managed to turn into pulpitis, the pulp is removed, the root canals are cleaned and sealed.

At the end of the appointment, you will be given recommendations on oral care at home, as well as on the rules of individual oral hygiene. The doctor will tell you how to properly brush your teeth, pick up a toothbrush, advise a suitable paste, rinse, dental floss, help you choose an irrigator. If after all dental measures the breath does not become fresh, consult a therapist.