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Does Acid Reflux Cause Bad Breath?

Mouth symptoms, including bad breath can occur due to acid reflux. The acid can travel up from the stomach through the esophagus and into your mouth; this is called regurgitation. Most individuals experience symptoms with acid reflux; however, this is not always the case. Occasionally, people may not feel any pain because their esophagus has a decreased sensation to pain, or over the years they have become accustomed to the feeling and might not even notice it. This is called silent reflux. Without these people knowing it, the acid is traveling up into their mouths and causing different types of symptoms.

When acid enters the mouth, it brings with it some of the contents of the stomach, such as partially digested food, stomach enzymes, and acid that can leave a sour and bitter taste. If regurgitation occurs often, people can develop bad breath or dental problems. Acid regurgitation can cause cavities or can damage tooth enamel which results in discoloration of the teeth. However, before you attribute bad breath to acid reflux, have a dentist check to ensure that no cavities could be causing the bad breath.

As acid makes it way up to your mouth, your body reacts by producing saliva to try to neutralize the acid. The acid mixed with the excessive saliva can create a pasty, thick residue sometimes called water brash in your mouth. Bad breath is another result.

By Mortin - Copyright 2009
Last modification 31/12/2009

Does Acid Reflux Cause Bad Breath? References