It is possible that the cause of your bad breath is your stomach. While possible, it is not probable but when bad breath problems do arise from within, there is great cause for concern. This is because 90% of all problems associated with halitosis and bad breath actually originate within the oral cavity and tend to be caused either by gum disease or large concentrations of anaerobic bacteria living on the tongue or other soft tissues. However, there are cases where a major ailment may be the source of the problem, including:
- Kidney Disease
- Liver Disease
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Throat Infection
- Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is actually the most likely candidate when it comes to bad breath problems originating from within. The condition is caused by a malfunctioning valve at the top of the stomach that allows acids and other digestive juices to enter the oral cavity, bringing with it a very acidic form of bad breath. While it may begin as a mere inconvenience, the fact is that acid reflux can literally dissolve the enamel on your teeth and leave them more susceptible to decay and rot. Common causes of acid reflux and the bad breath that comes with it are:
- Ulcers
- Hiatal Hernia
- Caffeinated Products
- Alcohol
- Fried Foods
- Tobacco
- Citrus Fruits
- Large Meals
A throat infection is another internal cause of bad breath problems but it will not be the acidic kind associated with indigestion. A throat infection can be caused by a number of ailments, including:
- Tonsillitis
- Strep Throat
Kidney and liver diseases are also known to create problems with bad breath but they tend to produce a rather distinctive odor that smells more like rotting flesh than the sulfur or “rotten eggs” smell typical of common halitosis. These diseases often cause gases to build up in the stomach and may cause belching which produces a very foul form of bad breath that should raise immediate concern and prompt you to consult with a physician.
Finally, upper respiratory infections are also common causes of bad breath that originates from within. The bad breath associated with these ailments tends to resemble that produced by a throat infection.
While it is possible to have bad breath problems originating from sources other than the mouth, they tend to be quite rare. However, in all cases, the bad breath is very distinctive and dissimilar to the typical halitosis originating in the oral cavity. Fortunately, while we tend not to notice bad breath when it is caused by oral bacteria due to the fact that our noses quickly become accustomed to the odor-this is not the case with any of the causes listed above as they are rare and tend to stick out.
Curing bad breath in these cases will require the attention of a medical doctor as your dentist will not be able to help with the problem. Thus, if the source of your bad breath is the stomach, do not delay seeking medical attention immediately as there is clearly something very wrong and it is more likely treatable if caught early enough.
