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- $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.
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-
- It Possible That a Stomach Disease Can Cause Halitosis?
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-
- 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?
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-
- 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.
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-
- 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.
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