$Unique_ID{BRK00638}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{It Possible That a Stomach Disease Can Cause Halitosis?}
$Subject{bad breath halitosis respiratory esophagus stomach gingivitis teeth
infections diabetic acidosis infection}
$Volume{H-10}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


It Possible That a Stomach Disease Can Cause Halitosis?


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  I suffer from chronic halitosis and although I use all of the
advertised products to brush my teeth and rinse my mouth, the smell just won't
disappear.  Is it possible that I have some disease in my stomach which is
causing this condition?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  The most common cause of halitosis or an unpleasant odor to the
breath may be related to eating certain foods, particularly garlic and onions.
It's also possible that unpleasant odors can be caused by breathing certain
substances which are then excreted through the lungs.  In most instances,
however, the odor comes from something in the mouth, diseases like gingivitis
or infections in the teeth.  The odor can be created by the fermentation of
food particles caught between the teeth.  Some liver diseases may affect
breath odor and the condition called "diabetic acidosis" will also provoke a
different or unpleasant odor to the breath.  Certain conditions of the
esophagus, the tube which leads from the mouth to the stomach, such as an
infection or a tumor, can cause bad breath.  Then there is the rare situation
when a sac-like structure grows out of the esophagus and traps food that
should pass on to the stomach, but instead becomes lodged in the sac, decays,
and creates unusual odors.  A post nasal drip may provoke certain odors
carried in exhaled air, and perceived as halitosis.
     One thing we can be sure of, bad breath odors do not reflect any stomach
diseases, nor do they depend upon your state of bowel function.  Although you
are brushing teeth regularly and using mouthwash, your best action would be to
visit your family dentist first to be sure that you have checked out all the
possible causes that can occur in the mouth, then your physician if the
situation persists.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.