Bad breath and gut health: How to beat bad breath from the stomach

Bad breath, medically referred to as halitosis, is a common oral health issue that affects millions of people around the world.¹ Most people assume it stems from poor oral hygiene, and often it does. However, when halitosis persists despite brushing, flossing, and mouthwash, it may signal deeper concerns, such as bad breath from stomach problems.

 

This article explores how gut health and bad breath are connected and offers practical guidance on how to get rid of bad breath from the stomach through targeted care and lifestyle changes.

Before tackling halitosis from the stomach: What typically causes bad breath?

 

While this article focuses on bad breath due to stomach issues, it’s important to first consider any other causes. Some of the common causes of bad breath are:

 

• Poor oral health care: Plaque build-up, tongue coating, and trapped food particles are the most frequent sources of bad breath.² Neglecting basic oral hygiene, such as not regularly brushing your teeth, can lead to the accumulation of bacteria, which release volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs)—the molecules behind foul-smelling breath.²
  
• Gum disease: Halitosis is one of the main symptoms of gum disease.³ If you suspect gum disease, ensure you reach out to a dental care provider as soon as possible.
  
• Dry mouth: Also known as ‘xerostomia, dry mouth prevents your mouth from producing saliva in order to keep itself clean.³
• Foods: Consuming certain strong-smelling foods, such as garlic and onions may affect your breath.³
  
• Smoking: Tobacco products such as cigarettes can cause bad breath, stain the teeth, and even put users at a higher risk of gum disease.³

 

Regular dental check-ups ensure that gum disease, and dry mouth, common causes of odour, are ruled out before exploring deeper issues like halitosis from stomach.

Causes of halitosis from the stomach

 

You may be surprised to hear that sometimes the cause of bad breath can be due to stomach issues. This type of bad breath from the stomach often relates to certain conditions or digestive imbalances, and it can be more stubborn and difficult to mask with oral products. Here are some of the causes of bad breath from the stomach:

 

• Acid reflux: People who suffer from acid reflux or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) often complain about halitosis from their stomach, as digestive acids and gases make their way up the oesophagus, carrying unpleasant smells and affecting their breath.
  
• Kidney disease: One of the symptoms of chronic kidney disease is ammonia breath, which occurs when waste builds up in the body. This can sometimes result in a metallic or bitter taste in the mouth and bad breath.⁵
  
• H. pylori infection: This common stomach bacteria has been linked not only to ulcers but also to persistent halitosis, even when practising good oral hygiene.⁶
  
• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO): SIBO occurs when bacteria that normally live in the large intestine overgrow into the small intestine. This can result in bloating, constipation, and bad breath from the stomach.⁷

 

Recognising the possible causes of bad breath from the stomach can help you better understand the connection between halitosis and gut health, and potentially help you find strategies to help you beat bad breath.

Bad breath from stomach treatment and tips to keep your mouth fresh

 

To achieve optimal oral health and reduce the impact of bad breath from the stomach, there are some habits you can adopt in your daily routine alongside addressing the underlying gut cause. Here's what you should include:

 

• Brush at least twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste. Spend two minutes each time and be gentle yet thorough.
  
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and replace it every 3 months or sooner if the bristles fray.
  
• Floss daily to remove food particles and plaque from between teeth where brushes can’t reach. The Philips Sonicare Power Flosser 3000 makes it easy to get flossing right every time, thanks to its QuadStream technology, for a fast and deep clean.
  
• Clean your tongue using a tongue scraper or your toothbrush. The tongue is often coated with bacteria that contribute to odour.
  
• Stay hydrated by drinking water frequently. This can reduce dry mouth, which can make bad breath due to stomach issues worse.
  
• Eat foods like carrots and apples that require a lot of saliva.³
  
• Chew on sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free sweets to stimulate saliva.³
  
• Use mouthwash with antibacterial properties to reduce bacteria levels.
  
• Limit sugar intake and increase fibre in your meals. Foods rich in fibre support regular bowel movements and reduce waste build-up. Include potatoes with skin, oats, beans, and fruits like apples or pears in your diet as natural remedies for bad breath from the stomach.
  
• Trying probiotics can help restore a healthy microbiome.⁹
  
• Avoid trigger foods like onions, garlic, and spicy dishes if they worsen symptoms.
  
• Regular dental visits to help ensure your mouth is fresh and healthy.

 

These habits can help ensure you’re tackling bad breath and gut health from every angle.

What to do when bad breath due to stomach issues persists

 

Despite your best efforts with diet and hygiene, sometimes bad breath from the stomach lingers. That’s when you should consult a professional. Dentists can perform a thorough assessment to rule out mouth-related issues, while GPs or gastroenterologists can investigate digestive conditions, infections, or metabolic disorders that contribute to halitosis from the stomach.

 

Treatment options might include antibiotics, probiotics, or medications to control acid reflux—forming a more structured bad breath from stomach treatment plan tailored to your body’s needs.

 

Persistent halitosis can be frustrating, especially when the root cause lies in your gut. But with the right strategies, including consistent oral care, mindful nutrition, and medical support, you can work to get rid of bad breath from the stomach and reclaim your confidence. 

 

Understanding the relationship between bad breath and gut health empowers you to make changes that benefit your entire well-being.

 

So don’t just mask the problem, treat it at the source. Your stomach might be the key to fresher breath and a healthier you.