No one wants to experience bad breath. It can be embarrassing and raise concerns about the health of your teeth.
While tooth decay and gum disease can make your breath smellier than usual, one expert warned there is another potential cause you might not have thought of.
Well known TV doctor Zoe Williams, explained an issue that could lead to “rotten” or egg-like breath.
Working in collaboration with Activia, Dr Williams explained more about the role of the gut when it comes to bad breath.
“We all suffer from bad breath from time to time – but how many of us consider that it may be down to our gut?” she said.
“‘Gut breath’ can most commonly smell like something rotten, or like eggs and can vary in severity.
“While it can be a sign of more serious conditions, it could be all down to the composition of our gut bacteria.
“Your microbiome is made up of trillions of microorganisms that live in your gut and that communicate with the brain via the vagus nerve and by sending chemical signals.
“When there is overgrowth of bacteria, or too much of the wrong kind of bacteria, it can lead to bad breath.”
According to Dr Williams, excessive bacteria in our small intestine can cause burping and make you feel more gassy, alongside a less than pleasant smell.
“Helicobacter pylori is a common bacteria that 40 percent of people in the UK have in their stomach, and for most it doesn’t cause any problems,” she continued.
“However, for some it may be a cause of bad breath whilst for others it can increase the risk of gastric ulcers.”
She added that high amounts of hydrogen sulphide produced by bacteria in your gut, may lead to your breath having an eggy smell.
What to do if you have bad breath
If you suspect that your gut health may be making your breath smell bad, then there are a lot of lifestyle changes that may help.
Dr Williams advised: “Including a wide variety of plants in a varied diet and adding fermented foods like yoghurts, kimchi and sauerkraut are easy ways to support your gut microbiome.
“Although your diet is key, it’s not the only way to influence your gut health.
“Getting better sleep, regular exercise and trying to reduce your stress levels are all additional ways you can support your gut health. And don’t forget to hydrate well.”
It is also important to practise good oral hygiene, which includes:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day
- Flossing
- Attending regular dental check-ups
- Cutting back on sugar.
She added: “Eating or drinking strong-smelling or spicy foods and drinks can cause temporary bad breath.
“Problems with your teeth or gums, such as gum disease, holes in your teeth or oral infections are other causes. And some medical conditions, like dry mouth, tonsillitis and acid reflux can cause it, as can smoking and crash dieting.”