Bad Breath May Be Caused by Digestive Problems

Gastroenterology / December 23, 2025 / 2 minutes read.

It’s Possible to Speak Without Embarrassment

Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, can affect social relationships. An unpleasant bad breath when interacting with other people can reduce a person’s self-confidence and negatively affect their communication with others. Gastroenterology Specialist Prof. Dr. Hakan Demirci, who states that “Although it is often associated with oral and dental health and ENT, sometimes gastrointestinal problems can also cause this condition,” points out that since gastroenterology is a branch that examines problems related to the digestive system, halitosis can sometimes originate in this field as well.

Gastroenterology Specialist Prof. Dr. Hakan Demirci said, “A gastroenterological evaluation performed by a specialist physician can help identify potential problems related to the digestive system. This may include evaluating the patient’s general health status, taking history, physical examination, and blood tests. Tests such as endoscopy may be requested to evaluate gastroesophageal reflux to focus on gastrointestinal causes.”

Gastroenterological Causes of Halitosis

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This is a condition where stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, and this condition can cause bad breath.

Helicobacter Pylori Infection: This bacterium can affect the inner surface of the stomach, which can lead to bad breath.

Liver Problems: Liver dysfunction or liver diseases can cause accumulation of waste in the body, which can lead to bad breath.

Treatment and Recommendations

At the end of this process diagnosed by a gastroenterologist, treatment varies depending on the cause of the underlying problem. For example, GERD treatment may include acid-suppressing medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgical intervention. Helicobacter pylori infection can be treated with antibiotics.

In some cases, a healthy diet and lifestyle changes can reduce bad breath. For example, in the case of reflux disease, measures such as avoiding acidic foods and keeping the head elevated while lying down can be taken.

Bad breath is usually associated with poor oral hygiene. It is important to pay attention to oral hygiene such as brushing teeth, using dental floss, and regular dental check-ups. Using probiotic supplements to support digestive system health can be beneficial in some cases.

It is important to pay attention to bad breath to leave a pleasant impression in social relationships. If you have a persistent bad breath problem, it is important to discuss this condition with a health professional.