Unlikely cause of bad breath you might not have thought of
Photo: Why your breath smells bad (freepik.com)
No one feels good about having bad breath. This can be a concern for the health of your teeth. While tooth decay and gum disease can make your breath smellier than usual, one expert warned that there is another potential cause that you might not have thought of, according to the Daily Express.
The unlikely cause of bad breath
Dr. Williams stated that the role of the gut is very important when it comes to bad breath.
While it can be a sign of more serious diseases, it can also be related to the composition of our gut bacteria.
Your microbiome consists of trillions of microorganisms living in your gut that communicate with the brain through the vagus nerve and send chemical signals. When there is an overgrowth of bacteria or too many of the wrong types of bacteria, it can lead to bad breath.
According to Dr. Williams, an excessive amount of bacteria in our small intestine can cause belching, increased gas, and bad breath.
However, for some, this may be the cause of bad breath, while for others, it may increase the risk of stomach ulcers.
She added that a large amount of hydrogen sulfide produced by bacteria in your gut can cause your breath to have a sulfuric, egg-like smell.
What to do if you have bad breath
If you suspect that your bad breath is related to gut health, there are many lifestyle changes that can help.
Including a variety of plants in a diet and adding fermented foods such as yogurts, kimchi, and sauerkraut are easy ways to support your gut microbiome.
While diet is key, it’s not the only way to influence gut health.
“Getting better sleep, regular exercise and trying to reduce your stress levels are all additional ways you can support your gut health. And don’t forget to hydrate well.” Dr. Williams advised.
It's also important to maintain oral hygiene, which includes:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day
- Flossing
- Visiting the dentist
- Reducing sugar intake
By the way, dentist named a food that you should eat for healthy teeth.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
