From Heartburn to Halitosis: Understanding and Treating Acid Reflux and Bad Breath

Bad Breath and Acid Rflux : Is There a Relation?

Research studies say that there is a prevalence of 25% of halitosis in the general population.

The most common causes of halitosis are oral conditions and diseases of the mouth.

A new analysis by scientific researchers has brought out a new classification of halitosis as;

• Type 1 (oral)
• Type 2 (airway-related)
• Type 3 (gastroesophageal)
• Type 4 (haematogenous)
• Type 5 (subjective)

The most common disorders leading to halitosis include the following;

• ENT Issues: Chronic sinusitis, infected tonsils, deviated septum, neoplastic changes.
• Gastroenterological: Gastroesophageal reflux disease, H. pylori infection.
• Pulmonary: Bronchitis, lung cancer.
• Metabolic diseases: Diabetes, kidney diseases.

According to the research results, halitosis coexists with symptoms of GERD, such as heartburn, regurgitation, and a sour taste in the mouth. 

Additionally, patients with active IBD forms showed an increased incidence of halitosis compared to patients in remission.

People presume that the process may be caused by increased oxidative stress or direct fermentation of products in the diet.

AMLA PITTA in Ayurveda - How are Indigestion, GERD, and Halitosis Correlated?

The scholars of Ayurveda have related almost all the health issues in the human body to indigestion. 

Ayurveda considers vitiation of digestive fire/agni to be the root cause of diseases.

According to Ayurvedic experts, GERD results from improper digestive health, resulting in repeated sour eructations, known as Amlapitta.

Amla means sour, and Pitta is the metabolic bioenergy of your body. When the normal Pitta gets fermented and attains a sour taste, the resultant is Amlapitta.

This undigested food substance and food regurgitation are the reasons for bad breath in the presence of acid reflux.

"Oral hygiene or the condition of your tongue and oral health is always correlated with your gut health. If you have bad breath and no other visible cause, we can determine that it results from indigestion. This indigestion leads to the collection of metabolic toxins called 'Aama' in Ayurveda, which reflects as bad breath."

Dr. Vindhya, Ayurveda Consultant, Specialised in gut health issues

How to Find If You Are a Victim of Your Breath?

Your olfactory sense is highly effective at detecting and distinguishing between scents that may be hazardous, such as smoke, and those that are pleasurable, such as the aroma of your favourite dish cooking. However, as your sense of smell adjusts to familiar scents, they fade into the background and become less noticeable unless they threaten your well-being.

Since you get constantly exposed to the scent of your breath, which is not considered a hazard, your olfactory system adapts and no longer detects it.

You must be familiar with the old trick of breathing into and smelling your hand, as shown in TV shows. However, in contrast to Hollywood's portrayal, this method could be more reliable.

The more effective way to manually assess your breath is to lick the inside of your wrist and smell it. The scent of your breath on your skin will be clearer and more visible to your nose. Nevertheless, it's worth noting that even this technique may be partially foolproof.

If you suspect that your breath may be terrible, there are some methods you can use to confirm this:

• At Home

You can ask a trusted friend to tell you if your breath is fresh or not. You can also use a tongue scraper, which will help you both identify and reduce bad breath. You can determine whether your breath is odorous by scraping the back of your tongue, which is often a source of bad breath, and smelling the scraper. If you find any unpleasant smell, consider including tongue brushing or scraping into your daily oral hygiene routine.

• Gauze Test

Use a small piece of medical gauze to wipe your tongue and then smell the gauze to determine how your tongue smells. 

• Airbag Test

Here, you exhale into an airtight bag several times and then smell the bag to determine the odour of your breath. 

• Floss Test

Use unflavored floss to clean between your teeth and under the gum line, and then smell the floss to determine the odour of the space between your teeth.

• Bad breath Test Conducted by your Dentist

The Halimeter test, for instance, measures the level of volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) in your breath, which are caused by bacterial overgrowth in the mouth or bowel. Typically, VSC measurements above 100 parts per billion suggest bad breath. 

You can buy a halimeter to check your breath, but it's a good idea to ask your Dentist for advice first.

Your Dentist will use a plastic straw to check your breath. This method is called the organoleptic method. The Dentist will usually compare your exhalations from your nose to those from your mouth to decide. Remember that these tests may only sometimes produce consistent results, so it's best to ask your Dentist which type would be most appropriate for you.

Did you know that if your breath smells sour, it can be due to the underlying issues of your gut? It is an identified suggestion that you suffer from GERD-related lousy breath.

Other Reasons for Bad Breath

• Poor Oral Hygiene: When we don't brush and floss regularly, bacteria can build up in our mouths, leading to bad breath.
• Food and Drinks: Certain foods and beverages, such as garlic, onions, coffee, and alcohol, can cause temporary bad breath.
• Dry mouth: Saliva helps to cleanse the mouth, so when the mouth is dry, bacteria can accumulate and cause bad breath.
• Smoking can cause bad breath by leaving a lasting odour in the mouth and throat.
• Gum Disease: This condition which is also known as periodontal disease, can lead to bad breath due to bacteria buildup in your gums.
• Medical Conditions: Certain health issues, such as sinus infections, respiratory infections, and acid reflux, will contribute to bad breath.
• Medications: Some medications, such as antidepressants and antihistamines, can cause dry mouth and lead to bad breath.
• Stress: Stress can cause dry mouth, contributing to bad breath.

“Whenever I used to take coffee, the after-effect was a horrible smell from my mouth. It was so embarrassing. This made me skip coffee dates. I did not know my indigestion and acid reflux was causing my bad breath.” - Nirva Client.

Let's see how Nirva fixes such problems for the clients.

How Can You Fix Your Acid Reflux-Related Bad Breath?

In the long term, addressing the root cause of acid reflux is essential, rather than just treating the symptoms. Identifying and treating the primary problem can ease the discomfort associated with acid reflux and prevent it from happening again. Therefore, it is important to work with your healthcare provider to determine the cause of your GERD/reflux and develop a complete treatment plan that addresses it.

The changes may involve lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, medication, or other therapies, depending on the underlying cause and individual needs.

Quick Remedies for Bad Breath

• Start Your Day with a Glass of Water: Drinking water on an empty stomach can help you flush toxins and hydrate your body. You have to avoid drinking too much water right after a meal as it may dilute stomach acid and impair digestion.
• Chew Some Fresh Parsley: Parsley contains chlorophyll. This will help you neutralise bad breath caused by GERD. You can chew on some fresh parsley leaves or add them to your meals as a garnish.
• Squeeze Some Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is acidic but has an alkalising effect on the body. Drinking lemon water or adding lemon juice to your meals can help stimulate digestion and prevent acid reflux. However, you have to be careful not to consume too much lemon juice, which may irritate your throat or erode your teeth' enamel.
• Try Licorice Chews: Licorice is a natural supplement that can soothe the lining of your oesophagus and your stomach without reducing stomach acid.
• Avoid Overeating: Overeating or fast can increase pressure on your LES lower esophageal sphincter and trigger reflux symptoms. You have to aim to eat smaller, more frequent meals and chew your food thoroughly.
• Don't skip meals and rely on coffee: Skipping meals or having only morning coffee can stimulate stomach acid production and worsen GERD. Try to have a balanced breakfast with protein, fibre, and healthy fats.
• Practice deep breathing after meals: Taking deep belly breaths can help activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and digestion. Breathe slowly through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale through your mouth. Repeat several times until you feel calm and centred.

Here is a quick tip from Nirva health experts: 

Take one teaspoon of dried ginger powder, mix it with a teaspoon of ghee, and consume it 10 minutes before food.

How to Maintain Good Oral Hygiene?

• Use mouth rinses
• Brush after food
• Treat any dental disease
• Avoid dry mouth
• Clean dentures, if any
• Regularly get a new toothbrush
• Floss at least once a day.
• Use tongue scraper

Why Do You Need Medical Attention for Bad Breath?

While bad breath may seem minor, it can have crucial social and emotional effects. Imagine you being on a first date or job interview and self-conscious about your breath - not a confidence booster!

Did you know?

Writings dating back to 1550 BC made reference to halitosis, another term for foul breath. Ancient Egyptians utilised aromatic spices and herbs, such as frankincense, myrrh, and cinnamon, to freshen their breath.

Conclusion

Bad breath can also be a symptom of respiratory infections, liver and kidney problems, gum disease, and other underlying medical treatments. You can seek medical help to improve your breath and identify and treat any underlying problems.

The next time you reach for a mint or breath freshener, remember that bad breath is more than just an inconvenience. It is a long-standing and occasionally serious health problem that needs to be addressed.