People who suffer from heartburn and acid reflux usually suffer a double whammy: bad breath often accompanies the other symptoms. In fact, acid reflux and bad breath are usually common together. Stomach acids are meant to flow through the digestive system in a one-way fashion but in people with this problem, they can actually flow back up the esophagus and into the throat. This can cause throat irritation, gagging, bitter taste in the mouth, and then of course bad breath or halitosis as it is medically known.
Acid reflux bad breath can be controlled to an extent with antacids or other medications for the original condition because if the acid can be prevented from flowing back upwards, then the halitosis should, theoretically, not be so much of a problem.
Diet can help with acid reflux halitosis. Avoiding greasy foods, peppermint and even chocolate can be helpful and also reducing the amount of caffeine and alcohol consumed can make a difference. Nicotine is known to aggravate the condition as well as contributing to bad breath.
People with acid reflux should avoid lying down too soon after meals and try not to eat large meals, instead sticking to smaller portions. Not only will this go a long way to avoiding painful, uncomfortable episodes of reflux, but it will also contribute towards the improvement of the bad breath symptoms.
Bad breath under any circumstances can be difficult to deal with but when it is part of a condition that causes pain and discomfort, it can be doubly upsetting. Keeping the mouth clean, the teeth in good condition and taking the required medication to keep the acid reflux under control should keep breath fresher.
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