A lot of people suffer from bad breath. This is not only very unpleasant for those affected, but also for those around them. However, it is rarely due to inadequate oral hygiene. We explain why bad breath can be a sign of gastrointestinal problems and which tips can help.
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This is how bad breath develops
Bad breath in the morning: Everyone knows the problem. The nasty bad breath is completely normal, however, because there is less saliva in the mouth at night than during the day. Especially people who sleep with their mouth open can develop bad odors thanks to the bacteria in the mouth .
Saliva ensures that bacteria are transported from the mouth into the esophagus. On the other hand, since it is absent at night and the tongue becomes very dry, the microbes on the dry mucous membranes can produce the unpleasant smell. The bacteria feed on leftover food or on human cells and blood. With this food intake, substances such as acetone, sulfides and fatty acids are formed, which in combination are the cause of the bad odor in the oral cavity.
If a penetrating, unpleasant bad breath occurs, you should first check your oral hygiene . If leftovers are left between the teeth, on the tongue or in the oral cavity due to poor oral hygiene , they could deteriorate and create the unpleasant smell. However, if there is no improvement after brushing your teeth, rinsing your mouth and professional teeth cleaning, the cause of bad breath can also be an illness.
Tooth decay, metabolic disorders, diabetes , lung diseases or kidney disorders can all be causes of the bad taste and odor in the mouth. However, the bad breath is then very succinct and not only noticeable in the morning after waking up.
Possible causes for the musty smell can also be disorders in the gastrointestinal tract . We have compiled diseases that can have an impact on the breath. You will also find a few helpful tips against bad breath.
Gastrointestinal diseases affecting the breath
Heartburn: Heartburn can result in an intensely uncomfortable, acidic mouth wheeze. Especially when chyme and stomach acid flow back into the esophagus. You notice it by pain in the middle of the chest and acid regurgitation. The unpleasant burning sensation can also occur when leftover food gets stuck in the esophagus. They then impede the passage of food and other leftovers can get caught. This increases the odor from the mouth and nose as the food breaks down in the body.
Diaphragmatic hernia: This condition occurs when part of the stomach leaks through the diaphragm into the chest where it meets the esophagus. This can lead to heartburn with acid regurgitation, which causes bad breath.
Inflammation of the gastric mucosa: Smokers and people with excessive alcohol consumption are particularly affected by this disease, as these two addictive substances irritate the mucous membrane. But food poisoning can also lead to acute inflammation of the gastric mucosa . The disease becomes noticeable through a strong odor from the mouth and nose. In addition, gastritis is accompanied by severe pain in the upper abdomen, a feeling of fullness and heartburn.
Stomach ulcer: A stomach ulcer can lead to a narrowing of the stomach outlet. The result is blocked bowel movements and thus bad breath from the mouth and nose as well as heartburn. A gastric ulcer can be recognized by pain in the upper abdomen, which can occur while eating or at night.
Intestinal obstruction: The small or large intestine can become blocked due to foreign objects. But twists or adhesions after surgery and colon cancer can also lead to an intestinal obstruction . Such is accompanied by constipation , fever, cramping pains and a bloated abdomen. If the stool backs up in the stomach due to the obstruction, unpleasant-smelling odors arise from the mouth. This can lead to nausea and vomiting in those affected. If you show signs of an intestinal obstruction, action is required as this is an acute emergency.
Food allergies: Allergies or food intolerances can also be the cause of indigestion with subsequent bad breath. In the case of an intolerance , the symptoms can be very different. Bad breath is just one symptom alongside general fatigue, a feeling of fullness, flatulence , belching, skin reactions or abdominal pain. When it comes to your diet, pay attention to the food after which the symptoms appear.
Do I have bad breath? Take the self-test!
If you are now wondering whether the taste in your mouth is normal or whether you may be suffering from bad breath, you can find out with a simple bad breath self-test:
- Lick the wrist with your tongue. Wait a moment for the saliva to dry, then smell the spot. An unpleasant odor indicates bad breath.
- Put your hands in front of your mouth and blow into them vigorously. Then stick your nose into the exhaled air. If you perceive these as bad, this indicates bad breath. Alternatively, you can breathe into a bag.
- Take a tongue scraper or cotton swab and gently scrape a small amount of coating from the back of the tongue. Wait a moment before smelling the scraper or stick.
- Another quick trick will also tell you if you are suffering from bad breath. If you notice the unpleasant odor through your nose even when you close your mouth, it is in all probability pathological bad breath.
