Bad Breath and Acid Reflux Relationship

Has it ever occurred to you that bad breadth and acid reflux can be related? Bad breadth is very common phenomenon for people suffering with acid reflux syndrome. Some people may be aware of their problem but are clueless about its cures.

There is considerable agreement over the fact that bad breath and acid reflux go hand in hand. Acid reflux causes the stomach acid and sometimes food move up the esophageal pipe. This leaves a sourly and pungent taste in the mouth contributing to bad breath.

If you just had a heavy and spicy meal, soon you are likely to have bad breath and acid reflux symptoms. There are certain category of foods and spices that are generally responsible for bad breath and acid reflux. These foods include garlic, onion, spicy foods etc. One can also have bad breath after consuming alcohol or after smoking a cigarette. Though in certain people, garlic is helpful as a cure for acid reflux symptom. In fact people who use garlic would admit that raw garlic does not smell as bad as garlic fried and cooked.

The digestion of food takes place inside the stomach and this is done in an environment that contains hydrochloric acid, bile juices and some digestive enzymes. These break down the food into smaller chunks for digestion. This acidic content, moving up the esophagus due to acid reflux, can cause an extremely bad odor. After going through the above explanation, one would surely understand the relation between bad breath and acid reflux.

There is yet another relation between bad breath and acid reflux. The backflow of the stomach acid attacks the esophageal lining causing the damage and formation of scar tissue. Frequent acid attack does not allow the scar tissue to heal and it thus becomes dead tissue. The odor of the dead tissue also contributes to the bad breath.

Brushing and Flossing Not Always Effective

Having stated the above, it is also important to mention that bad breath and acid reflux may not always be related. Bad breath can also occur due to dental decay or poor dental hygiene. In addition to this, bad breath is also caused by dry mouth, a condition that normally occurs in the night.

Bad breath and acid reflux can be a very embarrassing situation for anyone. If you lead a socially active life, then it can drive people away from you. Though the market is filled with mouthwashes, mints and mouth spray but these offer a temporary relief as the problem is internal.

Maintaining good dental hygiene is a must. Apart from this, bad breath and acid reflux can be stopped by taking a little precaution regarding your eating habits. Consuming foods that have a strong odor, spices can be stopped. It is good practice to brush and floss your teeth, preferably after every meal to stop bad breath. Avoiding consumption of alcohol, tobacco and dairy products also can provide considerable relief from bad breath and acid reflux.

Related articles

Acid Reflux Signs and Symptoms

Recognizing Acid Reflux Disease Symptoms

Acid Reflux Pain Often Mistaken For Heart Attack

Acid Reflux Stomach Cramping

Acid Reflux Symptoms And Cures

What Are the Acid Reflux Symptoms in Children?

Bad Breath and Acid Reflux Relationship

Burping With Acid Reflux: A Symptom Of Acid Reflux:

Symptoms of Heartburn Acid Reflux Disease

Infant Acid Reflux Symptoms

Newborn Acid Reflux Symptoms