Does Bad Breath Always Come From the Stomach?

In my father's hometown, there is a tradition each Spring. One of the first greens to shoot up out of the snow is a member of the allium family called ramps, or ramsons. There is a feast held to celebrate it every year. They're served both cooked and raw along side of pinto beans and corn bread.

The reason this is part of the article is this: if you are going to be in the area, you should eat them in self defense. Ramps makes garlic breath smell like a well brushed mouth.

People may joke about garlic breath, but bad breath isn't always an amusing annoyance. Sometimes it is a signal that something is wrong with your body. There are a couple of medical conditions that will cause it, and some medications that make it likely.

It is true that some causes are from the stomach. What we eat can cause halitosis, and both garlic and ramps fit the bill. No matter how many times you brush and gargle, the smell will stay. It's in your saliva. This sort of problem can be alleviated with parsley.

An infection in your mouth or throat can also be a primary cause. If this is the case, you may need antibiotics to deal with it. Garlic might be enough for minor infections, but not for the major ones, particularly strep. If there is a fever, inflammation of the throat or other serious symptoms, you may need a doctor or a dentist.

When a patient reaches end stage kidney disease, the uremic acid will cause a smell to issue from your mouth. It will smell a great deal like urine. This is an emergency, you will need dialysis to get rid of the acid. Without it, you are at great risk of death.

Medications that cause dry mouth can lead to many problems, including bad breath. That's because it encourages bacteria that cause it. Some dentists offer a product that can be put on at night for mouth breathers (another cause for this problem). It may be useful for those taking drying medications as well. This will not just protect your breath, it will also protect your teeth, which suffer with the added bacteria.

The last thing that could be a primary cause of halitosis is your tongue. Like your teeth, stuff can build up on that important muscle. You may want to invest in a tongue scraper or a soft bristled brush to use on it to avoid the problem. Ask your dentist what would work best for you.