Is bad breath caused by liver fire or stomach fire?

Nov 10, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

In general, bad breath may be caused by excessive liver fire or stomach fire. If bad breath persists or worsens, timely medical consultation is recommended. For bad breath due to excessive liver or stomach fire, lifestyle adjustments are necessary. Individuals with excessive liver fire should increase fluid intake, maintain regular sleep patterns, and reduce emotional fluctuations. Those with excessive stomach fire should eat a light diet and avoid spicy and greasy foods.

Generally, bad breath may be caused by liver fire or stomach fire. If bad breath persists or worsens, it is recommended to seek medical advice promptly. Specific analysis is as follows:

Prolonged emotional fluctuations, staying up late, and similar habits can easily lead to excessive liver fire. In such cases, the body's fluids are excessively consumed, causing dryness in the mouth, reduced saliva secretion, and increased bacterial growth, which in turn leads to bad breath. This may also be accompanied by symptoms such as dry mouth, red eyes, irritability, and poor sleep quality. The breath often has a slightly bitter taste, with symptoms more noticeable upon waking.

Excessive consumption of spicy, greasy, or heat-inducing foods, or irregular eating habits, can easily cause excessive stomach fire. Stomach fire increases the digestive burden on the gastrointestinal tract, potentially leading to food stagnation. The resulting heat rises upward to the oral cavity, causing bad breath. This type of halitosis is often accompanied by red and swollen gums, dry mouth, a burning sensation in the stomach, constipation, or dry, hard stools. The breath tends to have a sour, rotten, or overly hot odor.

If bad breath arises from liver or stomach fire, lifestyle adjustments are necessary. Individuals with excessive liver fire should increase fluid intake, maintain regular sleep patterns, and minimize emotional fluctuations. Those with excessive stomach fire should adopt a light diet and avoid spicy and greasy foods. If bad breath persists for a long time or is accompanied by significant physical discomfort, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional to identify the underlying cause and receive targeted treatment.

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