Bad breath from the gut: How does it occur?
An analysis of the possible causes of bad breath from the gut.
Bad breath from the gut: How does it occur?
An analysis of the possible causes of bad breath from the gut.
The most common causes for bad breath are usually associated with oral conditions such as gum disease, cavities, disrupted salivary flow, and other oral-related ailments.
While these causes can be overcome by consulting a dental hygiene specialist, there are some instances where bad breath is linked to your gut, which requires the expertise of a professional gastroenterologist.
The most common causes for bad breath are usually associated with oral conditions such as gum disease, cavities, disrupted salivary flow, and other oral-related ailments.
While these causes can be overcome by consulting a dental hygiene specialist, there are some instances where bad breath is linked to your gut, which requires the expertise of a professional gastroenterologist.
Gastrointestinal-related causes for bad breath
If a dental issue is not the underlying cause of your bad breath, you might be experiencing it due to the following digestive issues affecting your gut health:
01. An imbalance of gut bacteria
Microbial imbalances in your gastrointestinal tract, such as an overgrowth of bacteria in your small intestine or the excessive presence of H. pylori which promotes the breakdown of sulphur, can induce a rotten smell that may negatively affect your breath.
02. GERD
Due to your stomach contents rising from the digestive tract to the oesophagus caused by acid reflux or heartburn, you may begin to experience a bad taste in your mouth linked to the foul-smelling mixture from your oesophagal canal.
03. IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may affect you in the form of diarrhoea or constipation. Due to the malabsorption of nutrients and dehydration caused by diarrhoea or the increased chances of an infection in the GI tract due to constipation, you may experience bad breath from the gut.
04. An overload of toxins
If you’re someone who smokes or drinks very frequently, the chances of experiencing bad breath are increased. Since your organs have to work harder to rid themselves of the toxins, they will eventually be unable to efficiently expel the toxins, leading to bad breath.
Treatment measures for bad breath from the gut
Once your gastrointestinal health specialist concludes that the cause of your bad breath may be linked to an issue in your digestive system, you may be recommended to make certain changes to your diet and lifestyle.
If the digestive complication you’re suffering from isn’t severe, your healthcare provider may refer you to a professional dietician or recommend a special diet plan to manage the GI tract disorder that can help reduce the effects of bad breath.
Eating a plant-based diet to maintain the health of your gut microbiome while consuming probiotics in fermented foods like yoghurt and kimchi may also help maintain a healthy gut.
Reducing the amount of alcohol you consume and the number of cigarettes you smoke a day can also drastically improve any signs of bad breath you’re displaying.
Other measures you can implement to reduce the effects of bad breath
Apart from changing your lifestyle and diet, you can also follow these simple, at-home remedies to improve the odour of your breath:
- Use a medicated mouthwash
- Include 2-3 drops of tea tree oil when brushing your teeth
These measures can help you manage the smell of your breath while you follow a treatment plan prescribed to you by a professional to improve your gastrointestinal health.
FAQ
Can digestive disorders cause bad breath?
Yes, some gastrointestinal disorders can make you breath foul. For example, diseases including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic gastritis, and bowel abnormalities may cause the regurgitation of stomach contents.
Are there any other factors that may cause bad breath from the gut?
Yes, conditions like constipation and poor digestion can make your breath foul.
Can lifestyle choices cause gastrointestinal breath problems?
Yes, particular lifestyle choices like smoking, binge drinking, and having a poor diet can make bad breath from the gut worse.
A gastrointestinal health expert might be able to help you with the causes of bad breath from the gut
If a dental specialist can’t help you with an unpleasant oral odour, you should get in touch with a professional gastroenterologist as there might be an underlying condition in your gut that promotes bad breath.
Get in touch with Sydney’s best gastro-health experts for a suitable diagnosis and treatment plan.