Halitosis, or bad breath, can originate from various sources in the body including the tongue, gums, teeth, and even the stomach. It is a common issue affecting millions of people worldwide. Approximately half of the population experiences bad breath due to lifestyle factors such as consuming certain drinks and foods, smoking, and neglecting oral hygiene. On the other hand, some individuals suffer from bad breath due to uncontrollable health problems. Stomach-related halitosis can be indicative of digestive disorders, diabetes, liver failure, kidney disease, or infections. Maintaining a healthy mouth is essential in preventing bad breath, and addressing issues like dry mouth and indigestion can also help alleviate this condition.
The bad breath that originates from the digestive system is described to have the smell of rotten egg. Although, most people experience more rotten, putrid smell. Chronic odor from the stomach is usually as a result of sulfur break down by sulfur-reducing bacteria and other microorganisms. These sulfur reducing microbes, tend to release hydrogen sulfide which smells like rotten egg. Excessive prodution of hydrogen sulfide from sulfur compounds can make your burps and breath to smell like rotten eggs.
Causes of Bad Breath From Stomach
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is among the most common cause of bad breath that originates from the stomach. GERD is a health condition that causes the flow of acids from the stomach back up the esophagus into the mouth. It occurs repeatedly causing burning sensation in the chest or throat. According to studies, gastroesophageal reflux disease is associated with some common symptoms which includes: chronic sore throat, throat infections, gum disease, mouth ulcers, erosion of teeth enamel, burping, pain when swallowing, sour taste in the mouth and persistent bad breath.
When stomach acids are carried frequently to the mouth, It weakens the teeth enamel causing tooth erosion. The damaged throat surfaces and oral tissues are mostly inhabited by infectious and odor-causing bacteria resulting to persistent bad breath. Patients suffering from GERD are always advised to seek for proper medical treatment. If you bad breath is as a result of GERD, curing the GERD can stop your bad breath permanently.
Stomach Ulcers
There are lots of factors that can cause stomach ulcers in human. Most of the ulcers caused by bacteria leads to bad breath. A research report confirmed that chronic bacterial pathogens in human body causes ulcers in the stomach. One of these dangerous pathogenic bacteria is known as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). H. pylori lives within the digestive tract, it’s responsible for more than 40% of duodenal ulcers and stomach ulcers in human. The bacteria is found commonly in older adults and in people who live in crowded or dirty environments. It’s easily transmitted through mouth-to-mouth contact and also by sharing foods and body fluids.
Fortunately, antibiotics are very effective for eliminating bacteria that causes stomach ulcers. The use of suitable antibiotics can resolve bad breath as well as kill the bacteria that are responsible for the problem. Some antibiotics such as amoxicillin, tetracycline, metronidazole, or clarithromycin are usually prescribed by doctors for H. pylori. (1)
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
Naturally, in a human body there are lots of bacteria living on the walls of the large intestine due to the nature of the place. The small intestine is designed in such a way that it helps in nutrients absorption. However, sometimes bacterial overgrowth occurs there, leading to stomach problems. SIBO, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, involves the overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine, which can cause issues with stomach acid and stomach contents, such as GERD.
If you are experiencing frequent gas, burping, bloating, or stomach problems, it’s advisable that you should see your doctor, as SIBO may be the cause of your bad breath (halitosis). If it turns out that SIBO is identified as the cause of your bad breath, your doctor may recommend suitable antibiotics for you. He can also give you a meal plan that can help to reduce or eliminate unwanted bacteria from your small intestine and alleviate symptoms related to acid reflux and excess stomach acid.
Constipation
Constipation can cause bad breath that smells like feces. This condition occurs when there is a large accumulation of undigested food in the bowels, leading to complications. Passive lifestyle and lack of exercise are common causes. Eating unhealthy foods without enough water and exercise can negatively impact digestion, leading to bad breath. Additionally, acid reflux can also contribute to bad breath by causing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.
If your bad breath is due to constipation, you should try to avoid foods that encourage constipation and increase your intake of fiber. Additionally, drinking enough water every day can help alleviate the symptoms of acid reflux and promote a healthy esophagus. For more solutions and treatment plans, consider visiting your doctor.
Digestive System Infection
Certain infections along the digestive tract can cause bad breath. If you experience chronic bad breath alongside with improper digestion and frequent diarrhea, it may be as a result of internal infection. Some digestion problems such as Giardiasis, Crohn’s Disease and Celiac Disease can lead to excessive production of hydrogen sulfide. These may result to bloating, diarrhea, farthing, smelly burps and chronic bad breath. Severe cases of Crohn’s Disease and Celiac Disease may limit digestion, they make more undigested food available for sulfur-reducing bacteria to break down.
Giardiasis, also known as acid reflux, is an infection that can be transferred through various means. Contact with giardia, which causes foul breath and garlic breath, can result in infection. Giardia can be obtained from sources such as the feces of an infected person or animal, contaminated water or ice, and body fluids from an infected individual, all of which can contribute to the bad smell associated with giardiasis.
Most acid reflux breath and foul breath can be cured with the help of antibiotics. Your doctor may recommend metronidazole (Flagyl), tinidazole (Tindamax) or nitazoxanide (Alinia) for digestive system infections and diseases.
Bottom Line
It’s safe to say that many people who think they have bad breath actually don’t. (2) There are few sophisticated tests that can be used to identify the presence of excessive sulfur and odor-causing bacteria. If you think that the odor is coming from your stomach, your dentist can carry out a test to measure the amount of hydrogen, methane and hydrogen sulfide gas produced by bacteria in the digestive tract.
However, persistent bad breath may be a sign of serious problem, present deep in the digestive system. As we have seen, certain factors such as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Stomach Ulcers, Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, Constipation and Infections can all lead to bad breath from stomach. Bad breath that come from deep in the digestive system is very stubborn and can last for years if it’s left untreated.
Whatever the cause of your bad breath may be, ensure to see your dentist or doctor for proper evaluation and treatments. In most cases, constant travel of stomach acids into your mouth can lead to more serious dental issues. The acids don’t just promote bad breath, but they can also damage teeth enamel as well as the dentin.
Richard Smith is a Registered Nutritionist and also a Health Speaker. Richard Smith graduated from The City University of New York. You can learn more about him by Visiting His LinkedIn Page or Follow him on Twitter.
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