Acid reflux disease nearly always causes bad breath for its sufferers, but what exactly is it? Why should a part of your digestive system play a role in the production of bad breath? Won’t simple oral hygiene eliminate any problems with bad breath? Let’s examine acid reflux disease in order to find out what it is and why it results in bad breath.

Acid reflux disease causes bad breath when stomach acid and partially digested food are allowed to back up into the esophageal tube by a malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter. Some of this food and acid may become trapped in the crevices surrounding the tonsils, where it sits and feeds the production of the anaerobic bacteria that causes bad breath. Brushing and gargling may help reduce the bad breath, but they won’t eliminate the acid reflux problem.

Some foods have also been revealed to have a relaxing effect on the esophageal sphincter, adding to bad breath production. Coffee, onions, and chocolate are some of the culprits on this list.

Other factors contribute to acid reflux disease by putting extra pressure on the sphincter, causing it to open at inopportune times, causing bad breath. Pregnancy and obesity are two such common conditions. Over eating at meal times and laying down too soon after meals will also trigger acid reflux and incite bad breath as well as heartburn.

Recurring acid reflux symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain and bad breath are signs that you should see your doctor for treatment. In the meantime, try eating smaller portions at least two to three hours before laying down, and avoid the foods that seem to trigger your acid reflux. These methods may help reduce the bad breath normally associated with acid reflux disease.

Bad breath may also be a sign of other medical conditions, so see your doctor to be sure of the cause of any chronic bad breath.