How does Acid Reflux Cause Bad Breath

Bad breath is a really put off. It is an embarrassing, pesky problem that, if left uncared, could even lead to depression. While there are numerous triggers for this irritating oral condition, acid reflux or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is one of the most common reasons for halitosis. According to a study that appeared in the Journal of Oral Pathology and Medicine in July 2008, more than 50% of people suffering from acid reflux have bad breath.

Read on to know more about how acid reflux contributes to bad breath and some natural ways to control your GERD and bad breath.

How does acid reflux cause bad breath

Acid reflux is caused on account of the relaxation of the lower oesophagal sphincter (LES) in one’s throat. Normally, the LES remains closed thus preventing the fluids from the stomach from entering the mouth. But in the case of acid reflux, this is not so. The LES relaxes in case one is suffering from severe indigestion and thus the fluids from the stomach enter the oral cavity causing bad breath.

GERD or acid reflux is a condition wherein the contents of your stomach flow back into the oesophagus, triggering a burning sensation in the throat. It happens when the food does not move out of the stomach in an efficient way.

The food that gets accumulated in the tummy starts decaying, leading to acid reflux. This foul smell that arises from this decayed material actually causes bad breath.

Some of the prominent causes of acid reflux include

• Hiatal hernia – In this case the upper abdomen actually pushes over the diaphragm, obstructing the food passage, leading to the flowing back of the food.
• Constant use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like paracetamol and ibuprofen
• Lying down soon after eating food
• Excessive intake of fried foods, alcohol, aerated drinks, garlic, onions, mayonnaise, eggs, and spicy foods
• Overeating
• Obesity
• Intestinal blockages
• Excessive consumption of chocolates
• Stress
• Uterine issues like adenomyosis and endometriosis
• Use of medications like aspirin

The anaerobic bacteria that forms in the mouth causes bad breath.

Symptoms of bad breath

Some of the top bad breath symptoms:

• One belches a lot.
• Sore throat.
• One experiences pain while swallowing.
• There is sour taste in one’s mouth.
• The gingival tissue gets inflammed.
• Bad taste.

Except for bad breath, other symptoms do not cause social anxiety. The foul smell from the mouth is on account of acidity in the stomach. When the acid reaches one’s oral cavity, it smells bad.

Similarity in causes between halitosis and acid reflux

• In both the cases bad breath could be related to eating the wrong kinds of foods.
• In both the cases one may experience inflammation of gums.
• Stress also is a common factor in both conditions.
• One can drink caffeinated product.
• One can eat fatty foods.
• Chocolate.
• Consuming alcohol.
• Eating or perhaps drinking anything that contains tomatoes.

How to prevent bad breath due to acid reflux?

Managing GERD is the sole way to ease bad breath if acid reflux is what is contributing to this condition. If you are facing such a problem, visit a dentist first to rule out any dental issues. Here are some ways you can manage GERD:

1. Lose the excess weight

The report that appeared in the American College of Gastroenterology in 2013, shedding the excess weight could help in improving GERD.

2. Eat at least 2 to 3 hours before bedtime

This will give sufficient time for your stomach to digest the food and prevent reflux.

3. Use an additional pillow for your head

If you are experiencing repeated episodes of acid reflux, keeping an additional pillow to elevate your head could help in preventing acid reflux.

4. Eat small meals

Do not binge on huge portions of food. Opt to include 5 to 6 small meals in your routine so that your tummy could improve its digestive fire.

5. Exercise regularly

Regular exercising could help in improving the digestive power and prevent acid reflux, thus bad breath.

6. Drink warm water

Sipping warm water 30 minutes before and after the meals help in improving the digestion, preventing GERD.

7. Chew the gum

Chewing the gum stimulates the production of saliva, ensuring that the digestive juices are secreted.

8. Stop smoking

Smoking is one of the most identified causes of GERD. So stopping or cutting down the number of cigarettes will definitely help in easing acid reflux.

9. Cut down the intake of fried and fatty foods

These two food groups are generally tough to digest and hence, could lead to the accumulation of undigested food. So reducing the intake of fatty foods or deep-fried foods could ease the regurgitation.

Bad breath on account of acid reflux is not a serious matter. But if it reoccurs frequently, then it is better to consult a physician. Home remedies for bad breath could be used to get rid of problem temporarily.