What are the causes of bad breath due to stomach fire?

Aug 12, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I tend to get heaty easily in daily life, and I have excessive stomach heat, which leads to bad breath whenever the stomach heat increases. May I ask what causes bad breath due to excessive stomach heat?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua

The main causes of bad breath due to stomach heat include the following points:

1. Improper diet: Long-term consumption of spicy, greasy, or irritating foods can lead to dysfunction of the spleen and stomach, causing internal heat accumulation that rises upward and results in bad breath. Such foods may include chili peppers, fried chicken, etc., which can irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, reduce digestive function, and thereby aggravate stomach heat.

2. Oral diseases: Conditions such as dental caries and gingivitis can cause bacterial proliferation, producing gases such as hydrogen sulfide, which may lead to bad breath.

3. Gastrointestinal dysfunction: This may lead to indigestion, causing acid reflux and belching, both of which can be accompanied by unpleasant odors. Slowed gastrointestinal motility can also delay gastric emptying, worsening bad breath.

4. Emotional distress: High levels of emotional stress can cause heat accumulation in the stomach, impairing the spleen and stomach's digestive functions, leading to indigestion and prolonged retention of food residue in the gastrointestinal tract, producing foul-smelling gases that cause bad breath.

It is recommended to adjust dietary habits by avoiding spicy and irritating foods, consuming more light and easily digestible foods, and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits such as regular sleep patterns and moderate exercise, which can help alleviate symptoms of stomach heat and bad breath. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention promptly.