How does acid reflux cause bad breath. What are the signs that your halitosis is related to GERD. Can lifestyle changes help manage acid reflux breath. What medical treatments are available for chronic GERD and associated halitosis.

The Link Between Acid Reflux and Halitosis

Acid reflux, commonly known as heartburn, is a condition where stomach acids flow back into the esophagus. This regurgitation can lead to various symptoms, including an unpleasant taste in the mouth and bad breath, medically termed halitosis. But how exactly does acid reflux contribute to bad breath?

When stomach contents, including acids, bile, and partially digested food, make their way up the esophagus, they can leave behind residue that emits an unpleasant odor. This odor can be detected not only by others but also by the person experiencing acid reflux. In some cases, individuals may even smell their own breath without opening their mouth, as the odorous gases can travel up to the nasal passages.

Characteristics of Acid Reflux Breath

Acid reflux breath typically has a distinct smell. It’s often described as:

• Sulfuric
• Pungent
• Strong
• Acidic

The specific odor can vary depending on the individual’s diet and any medications they may be taking to manage their gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is a chronic form of acid reflux.

Identifying Acid Reflux-Related Bad Breath

How can you tell if your bad breath is caused by acid reflux rather than poor oral hygiene or other factors? There are several key indicators:

1. Food-related occurrence: Bad breath that consistently appears after eating certain foods or following specific eating patterns may be linked to acid reflux.
2. Accompanying digestive symptoms: If your bad breath coincides with other digestive issues like bloating, burping, or abdominal pain, it’s more likely to be caused by acid reflux.
3. Sour or acidic smell: A distinctly sour or acidic odor is characteristic of acid reflux-related bad breath.

If you notice these signs, it may be worth consulting a healthcare professional to determine if acid reflux is the root cause of your halitosis.

The Mechanism Behind Acid Reflux

To fully understand how acid reflux leads to bad breath, it’s important to grasp the mechanics of this digestive issue. At the junction of the esophagus and stomach lies a muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This sphincter acts as a one-way valve, allowing food to pass into the stomach while preventing stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus.

In cases of acid reflux, the LES malfunctions, allowing stomach acids and other contents to travel upwards. This can happen due to various factors, including:

• Weakened LES muscle
• Increased pressure on the abdomen (often due to obesity or pregnancy)
• Certain foods and beverages that relax the LES
• Smoking
• Some medications

When these acidic contents reach the esophagus and potentially the mouth, they can cause the characteristic burning sensation of heartburn and contribute to bad breath.

Lifestyle Modifications to Manage Acid Reflux and Bad Breath

For many individuals, making certain lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the occurrence of acid reflux and, consequently, improve breath odor. What are some effective strategies to implement?

Dietary Adjustments

Modifying your diet is often the first line of defense against acid reflux and its associated symptoms. Consider the following changes:

• Avoid trigger foods: Common culprits include spicy, fatty, or acidic foods, as well as chocolate and mint.
• Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption: Both can relax the LES, increasing the likelihood of reflux.
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals: This can help reduce pressure on the LES and decrease the chances of reflux.
• Avoid lying down immediately after eating: Wait at least three hours after a meal before reclining.

Lifestyle Habits

Beyond dietary changes, certain lifestyle modifications can also help manage acid reflux:

• Quit smoking: Smoking can weaken the LES and increase acid production.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts pressure on the abdomen, potentially leading to reflux.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes: Tight clothing can put pressure on the stomach and LES.
• Elevate the head of your bed: This can help prevent stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus during sleep.

Home Remedies for Acid Reflux Breath

While lifestyle changes can provide long-term relief, there are also several home remedies that may offer quick relief from acid reflux and associated bad breath. These include:

• Chewing sugar-free gum: This can stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize stomach acid.
• Drinking water: Staying hydrated can help dilute stomach acid and wash away food particles.
• Using apple cider vinegar: Some people find that a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in water before meals helps reduce reflux.
• Consuming ginger: Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe the digestive system.
• Trying herbal teas: Chamomile, licorice, and marshmallow root teas may help alleviate reflux symptoms.

It’s important to note that while these remedies work for some individuals, they may not be effective for everyone. If symptoms persist, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional.

Medical Treatments for Chronic GERD and Halitosis

When lifestyle changes and home remedies aren’t sufficient to manage acid reflux and its associated bad breath, medical intervention may be necessary. What are some common medical treatments for chronic GERD?

Over-the-Counter Medications

Several OTC options can provide relief from acid reflux symptoms:

• Antacids: These neutralize stomach acid and provide quick relief from heartburn.
• H2 blockers: These reduce acid production in the stomach.
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): These block acid production and allow time for damaged esophageal tissue to heal.

Prescription Medications

For more severe cases, a doctor may prescribe stronger versions of H2 blockers or PPIs. In some cases, prokinetics may be prescribed to help strengthen the LES and speed up stomach emptying.

Surgical Options

In cases where medication and lifestyle changes are ineffective, surgical intervention may be considered. The most common surgical procedure for GERD is fundoplication, which involves wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the lower esophagus to strengthen the barrier between the two organs.

The Role of Oral Hygiene in Managing Acid Reflux Breath

While addressing the root cause of acid reflux is crucial, maintaining good oral hygiene can also help manage the associated bad breath. How can you improve your oral care routine to combat acid reflux breath?

• Brush and floss regularly: This helps remove food particles and bacteria that can contribute to bad breath.
• Use a tongue scraper: The tongue can harbor bacteria that cause bad odors.
• Rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash: This can help neutralize odors without irritating the mouth.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps wash away odor-causing bacteria and food particles.
• Consider using a fluoride rinse: This can help protect tooth enamel from acid erosion.

It’s important to note that while these oral hygiene practices can help manage the symptoms of bad breath, they don’t address the underlying cause of acid reflux. Therefore, they should be used in conjunction with other treatment methods for optimal results.

When to Seek Professional Help

While occasional acid reflux and mild bad breath can often be managed with lifestyle changes and home remedies, there are instances where professional medical intervention is necessary. But when should you consult a healthcare provider about your acid reflux and halitosis?

• Persistent symptoms: If you experience acid reflux symptoms more than twice a week, or if your symptoms don’t improve with lifestyle changes and OTC medications, it’s time to see a doctor.
• Severe symptoms: Chest pain, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained weight loss should prompt immediate medical attention.
• Chronic bad breath: If your bad breath persists despite good oral hygiene and lifestyle modifications, it may indicate a more serious underlying condition.
• Impact on quality of life: When acid reflux or bad breath begins to significantly affect your daily activities or social interactions, professional help can provide more effective management strategies.

A healthcare provider can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include tests such as an endoscopy or pH monitoring, to diagnose the exact cause of your symptoms and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

The Psychological Impact of Chronic Halitosis

While the physical symptoms of acid reflux and bad breath can be challenging, the psychological impact of these conditions shouldn’t be underestimated. Chronic halitosis, in particular, can have significant effects on an individual’s mental health and social life. How does persistent bad breath affect a person’s well-being?

• Social anxiety: Fear of bad breath can lead to social withdrawal and decreased confidence in social situations.
• Depression: Chronic health issues and social isolation can contribute to feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
• Low self-esteem: Persistent bad breath can negatively impact one’s self-image and sense of worth.
• Relationship difficulties: Halitosis can strain personal and professional relationships.
• Occupational challenges: Bad breath may affect job performance, particularly in roles that require frequent face-to-face interaction.

It’s crucial to address both the physical and psychological aspects of chronic halitosis. In addition to medical treatment, some individuals may benefit from counseling or support groups to help manage the emotional toll of their condition.

Future Directions in GERD and Halitosis Research

As our understanding of the relationship between acid reflux and bad breath continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new avenues for diagnosis and treatment. What are some promising areas of research in this field?

• Microbiome studies: Investigating the role of gut bacteria in GERD and halitosis may lead to new probiotic treatments.
• Advanced diagnostic tools: Development of non-invasive methods to detect and monitor GERD could improve early diagnosis and treatment.
• Personalized medicine: Tailoring treatments based on an individual’s genetic profile and specific symptoms may improve outcomes.
• Novel drug therapies: Research into new medications that target specific aspects of GERD pathophysiology could provide more effective treatment options.
• Minimally invasive surgical techniques: Advancements in surgical procedures may offer long-term solutions with fewer risks and faster recovery times.

As research progresses, individuals suffering from acid reflux and associated bad breath can look forward to more effective and personalized treatment options in the future.

Managing acid reflux and its associated bad breath often requires a multifaceted approach, combining lifestyle modifications, home remedies, and medical treatments as needed. By understanding the connection between GERD and halitosis and implementing appropriate strategies, individuals can significantly improve their quality of life and overall well-being. Remember, persistent or severe symptoms should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

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.

The Link Between Bad Breath and GERD

If you’re losing the battle against bad breath, GERD or acid reflux may be the problem. Here’s how to find out and shake “bad breath reflux” for good.

By Regina Boyle WheelerMedically Reviewed by Niya Jones, MD, MPH

Reviewed: June 24, 2013

Medically Reviewed

You brush, floss, and pop breath mints like crazy, but nothing can kill your stubborn bad breath. Sound familiar? If you’re frustrated by this stinky and embarrassing problem, maybe it’s time to look beyond your mouth for some answers. Sometimes bad breath causes can be medical problems, like acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly called GERD.

“GERD can certainly contribute to bad breath problems,” says Chin Hur, MD, MPH, an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston and director of gastrointestinal health outcomes research at Massachusetts General Hospital. In some people, he explains, food doesn’t move efficiently out of the stomach, starts to decay there, and can contribute to bad breath and GERD. Others with GERD may actually regurgitate small amounts of undigested food, which can also cause bad breath.

“Bad Breath Reflux:” How a Dentist Can Help

If you have bad breath you just can’t shake, your first stop probably should be your dentist’s office. Marc Nock, DDS, of Zenthea Dental in New York City, says your dentist will first rule out typical bad breath causes like periodontal disease, poor oral care, and sulfur molecules on the tongue.

The dentist may then investigate whether there’s a connection between your bad breath and GERD or other medical conditions. A sensation of acid reflux and frequent heartburn are the most typical GERD symptoms, although it’s also possible to have atypical or “silent” GERD – without the usual symptoms. Silent GERD symptoms can include a bad taste in the mouth, chest pain, coughing, hoarseness, and tooth decay, explains Dr. Hur.

Even if you’re unaware that you have GERD, dentists can often tell by looking in your mouth and throat. Sally Cram, DDS, a periodontist in Washington, D.C., and a consumer adviser for the American Dental Association, says that people with GERD often experience acid erosion of their teeth and an inflamed red throat, especially around the tonsil area. Other signs include areas of irritation on the tongue and gums, and sour smelling breath.

Dr. Cram says that if it’s suspected that your bad breath and GERD are linked, your dentist will suggest a visit to your primary care physician or a gastroenterologist for diagnosis and treatment. After all, the bad breath won’t go away until the GERD symptoms are under control.

Treatment for GERD and “Bad Breath Reflux”

Doctors often diagnose GERD by getting a detailed description of your symptoms. Hur says that your doctor may start you on GERD medication (either prescription or over-the-counter) to see if your symptoms improve with treatment.

Your physician may also suggest making lifestyle changes. Many people find that GERD symptoms get better when they avoid common triggers like fatty and spicy food, alcohol, and big meals, especially close to bedtime. In most people, the combination of lifestyle changes and the right medication can get and keep GERD under control.

Though not common, a pH probe study may be used to diagnose GERD. For this diagnostic test, a thin tube is place through the nose and deep into the esophagus. The tube is attached to a monitor to measure how much acid travels up from the stomach and into your esophagus in a given time period. If the amount of reflux is above a certain percentage, this is highly suggestive of GERD. From there, doctors can decide on the best course of treatment.

When can you expect the bad breath to go away once treatment begins? Cram says it could take a week or even longer, especially if the doses of GERD medication need to be adjusted.

In the meantime, Hur suggests drinking plenty of water and chewing gum (sugar-free) because it stimulates saliva production and clears acid from the mouth. Giving up cigarettes is especially important because smoking contributes to GERD symptoms and smoker’s breath, he adds. Follow your doctor’s advice, and you should be able to banish “bad breath reflux” for good.

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Bad breath – causes, types, 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. Bad breath from diseases
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 have eaten garlic, onions, cabbage or heavily curried dishes, we have 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 tissues, 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 – belching with the smell of rotten egg is often observed.
• 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.

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 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

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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

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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. He will help determine the cause or refer you to a narrow specialist: for example, to a gastroenterologist or endocrinologist.

How to Prepare for Your Doctor’s Appointment – Patient Reminder

Take a relative or friend with you to the appointment, it will be easier for them than for you to describe the nature and intensity of the unhealthy smell. Stop eating, drinking, smoking and chewing gum 3 hours before your consultation. Also, do not brush your teeth or freshen your breath with a spray.