The Link Between Bad Breath and Gut Health

Bad Breath From Gut: What Issue Could I Have? 

Bad breath is a common occurrence for all of us. You may notice that your breath smells particularly bad after eating certain foods or waking up in the morning. While this is a completely normal symptom, there may be an underlying issue if you notice that your breath consistently produces a foul odour.

Persistent bad breath is typically associated with chronic halitosis, a dental term that describes poor oral hygiene which causes bacteria build-up and gum disease. However, your bad breath could also indicate poor gut health and even a gastrointestinal disorder or condition.  

What Does Gut Breath Smell Like? 

Patients with gut problems have described multiple noticeable smells from the mouth. These include a: 

• Rotten smell that resembles the scent of rotten eggs or sulphur. This is the most common smell people describe
when experiencing chronic bad breath due to a gastrointestinal disorder.
• Sweet/fruity smell that is like acetone, it is typically found in people with diabetes. 
• Fungal smell that is comparable to mould, this scent is related to bacterial growth and infection. 
• Poop smell which is a noticeably foul odour and indicates bowel issues such as constipation.
• Fish smell that closely resembles urine or seafood, it is common in people suffering from kidney disease.  

The first step to determining the underlying cause behind your foul breath is identifying the particular smell. This will help narrow your research into the specific gastrointestinal region that may be causing the issue. 

What Causes Bad Breath From the Stomach? 

There are various gastrointestinal conditions that could be triggering your foul-smelling breath, ranging from minor issues to more severe health problems.

Gut problems that cause bad breath include: 

• Bowel obstruction
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Kidney disease
• Excessive gut bacteria
• Infection in the digestive tract
• Helicobacter pylori infection
• Liver disease
• Gallbladder issues 

The following section will define these conditions, noting what kind of smell they produce, how they make the smell and other related symptoms. 
 
Before you determine the specific gut issue you have, it is important to note any other symptoms you may be experiencing. Ultimately, this will help you draw a better conclusion and guide your decision to seek medical assistance.