Can Helicobacter pylori cause bad breath?
Aug 27, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
In general, whether Helicobacter pylori causes bad breath depends on specific circumstances. Helicobacter pylori itself usually does not directly cause bad breath. However, if Helicobacter pylori leads to gastric diseases or localized oral infections, it may indirectly contribute to bad breath. To reduce the occurrence of bad breath and associated risks of Helicobacter pylori, it is recommended to maintain good oral hygiene in daily life.
Generally speaking, whether Helicobacter pylori causes bad breath depends on specific circumstances. Helicobacter pylori itself usually does not directly cause bad breath. However, if H. pylori triggers stomach diseases or localized oral infections, it may indirectly lead to bad breath. Detailed analysis is as follows:
If Helicobacter pylori heavily colonizes the stomach and causes gastric diseases such as chronic gastritis or gastric ulcers, it can lead to reduced gastric motility and slow digestion of food, resulting in gastroesophageal reflux. The refluxed gastric acid and undigested food residue can produce unpleasant odors, which are expelled through the mouth, causing bad breath.
If Helicobacter pylori exists in the oral cavity and colonizes dental plaque, tongue coating, or periodontal pockets, it can break down food residue and dead cells in the mouth, producing malodorous substances such as sulfur-containing compounds, directly causing bad breath.
To reduce the occurrence of bad breath and the risks associated with Helicobacter pylori, it is recommended to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing teeth thoroughly in the morning and evening, rinsing the mouth after meals, regularly cleaning the tongue coating, and undergoing periodontal examinations. In terms of diet, avoid excessive consumption of spicy and greasy foods to reduce the burden on the stomach.
