Imbalanced Microbiome in Mouth, Sinuses and Gut May Be Causes of Bad Breath

By Cesar Collado

Chronic bad breath is a condition that is embarrassing and shameful for those who suffer from it.  To address this, the afflicted may be constantly brushing their teeth, using breath mints, rinsing with mouthwash and chewing “minty” gum.  This post explores some of the causes of bad breath and connects fungus and chronic bad breath. Bad breath can become an obsession to those who suffer and an uncomfortable barrier for loved ones. 

Unfortunately, while popular solutions have momentary benefits they can also contribute to further bad breath. Sugarless products mainly utilize Xylitol rather than high fructose corn syrup or sugar for fewer calories.  Xylitol is a sugar alcohol which combines traits of sugar molecules and alcohol molecules. The structure allows it to stimulate the taste receptors for sweetness on your tongue.  Unfortunately, it can directly feed candida or other microbes present in the mouth.

For people with mold sensitivity or common fungal infections (e.g. – candida overgrowth), such as oral thrush, vaginal yeast infections, and toenail fungus, fungal overgrowth is already a significant issue.  

All of These Conditions Can Result in Foul Odors from Your Mouth.

It is strongly recommended by physicians that these people avoid eating sugar and simple carbohydrates that feed fungus and bacteria.  Bacteria and fungi are the most common causes of musty and putrid smells in homes and on bodies.  They are also responsible for foul smells inside the mouth.    

Microbial Overgrowth in the Mouth, Causes of Bad Breath

While poor oral hygiene is cited as the main cause of bad breath, the topic deserves further investigation and explanation.  Most people respond with consistent use of mouthwash, teeth brushing and breath mints, etc.  However, these solutions are mostly temporary and may even make the condition worse. 

We all have a microbiome in our mouths. Mouthwash with up to 25% alcohol definitely kills bacteria and other microbes that causes bad breath.  Mouthwash with alcohol can also cause bad breath.   This immediate antiseptic destruction of microbial growth can create an imbalance of the mouth flora that enables fungi and candida (single celled yeasts) to flourish in the mouth. Other mouthwashes may balance the pH in the mouth and use natural anti-fungal ingredients.  However, bacteria, fungi and plaque that cause bad breath must be physically removed. An obvious way to determine whether you have fungal or candida overgrowth in the mouth is to look in a mirror to determine if your tongue is coated with a white or yellowish coating.  Many physicians describe it like a “carpet” on and at the back of the tongue.  This condition is called thrush.  

Bad Breath

Bad breath also occurs when food remnants are left between teeth or lingering on the tongue, which attracts bacteria and fungi.  Bacteria and fungi will sometimes form Biofilms where they protect each other through a matrix.  Read more about Biofilm here.  The gas byproduct from this biofilm is foul smelling.  When you see a white tongue, it is often candida overgrowth.  It is recommended that you brush your teeth thoroughly, brush the tongue and use a tongue scraper. Rigorous brushing of the tongue can temporarily provide relief from bad breath; however, the tongue will continue to house bacteria and fungi.  A visit to the dentist will address the removal of any plaque that causes bad breath.

Finally, a dry mouth can cause bad breath. Saliva helps disrupt microbial growth in the mouth. In essence, it “detoxifies” the tongue.  Normal or additional intake of water is essential to maintain a proper saliva balance.  Mouthwash with alcohol can also lead to dryness in the mouth.

Bad Breath Caused by Sinus Infections

For the many people who suffer from chronic sinusitis, bad breath is a common symptom.  In these cases, foul smelling bacteria feed on mucous that is trapped in sinus passages due to mucous build up, or drain to the back of the throat or beyond.  The bacteria and fungi break down the mucous and release foul smells, as a byproduct, which will commonly escape through the mouth.     

A sinus infection with post-nasal drain can also cause Acid Reflux, which itself is a cause of bad breath. 

Bad Breath due to Gastrointestinal Disruption

Bad breath can also result from the presence of H. Pylori in the gut.  H. Pylori is the bacteria that causes ulcers.  Prior to linking H. Pylori to gastric ulcers, diagnosis was often limited to use of anti-inflammatory drugs and lifestyle choices including alcohol, smoking, diet, and stress. Treatment of ulcers was limited to addressing gastric acid secretion.   Now that the cause of ulcers is known, scientists have directly linked H. Pylori bacteria in the gut to bad breath.

Our intestinal flora must be in balance to function properly in digesting and absorbing nutrients from the food we eat. There are billions of bacteria and fungi present in the gut.  An imbalance of the different microbials in our flora is called dysbiosis. Dysbiosis of the gut flora does not provide the barrier that a normal microbiome provides to protect our gut health.  Approximately 80% of our immunity occurs in the gut.  In addition, neurotransmitters such as serotonin are made in the gut.  As a result, our gut health is essential for our general wellbeing.  Poor diets or excess sugar or carbohydrates will cause an imbalance, especially candida.  This will have effects all the way up to the mouth. 

Acid reflux, often caused by post-nasal drainage from sinus infections is a key cause of bad breath.  With Gastrointestinal Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), gas, stomach contents, and excess acid escape up the esophagus, causing bad breath.  

Agrumax Dietary Supplement

Citrus seed extracts have natural antimicrobial properties in addition to being particularly effective against the more resilient fungi.  Because Candida Albicans are part of our microflora, addressing candida growth is essential.  Agrumax is a proprietary blend of Grapefruit, Tangerine, Lemon and Lime seed extracts that is effective against candida in the mouth, sinuses and gut.

Addressing Bad Breath Due to a White Tongue or Thrush

• Stop eating sugary foods including high fructose corn syrup, and simple carbohydrates.  These sugars/carbohydrates will help yeasts and fungi flourish and will likely render any other treatment ineffective.
• You can also add a drop or two of Agrumax to your toothbrush with toothpaste before brushing your teeth.
• Rinse and gargle with Agrumax Dietary Supplement and water.  While it has a bitter taste, it is extremely effective in removing the white coat on the tongue.  It is not immediate; it may take up to an hour to see the results.
• Add 5-10 of Agrumax Dietary Supplement to water and drink. While the taste is bitter, the results are clearly worth it.  This is intended to address candida overgrowth in the gut and aid in the rebalancing of the gut microflora.  Rinsing your mouth with Agrumax is much more effective than common mouth wash and much longer lasting.  Order Citri•Rx Agrumax Citrus Seed Extract.

 

To Address Bad Breath due to Sinus Infection

• Twice daily rinsing with a nasal rinse system and added drops of Agrumax Dietary Supplement may remove excess mucous and address fungi inside the nasal passages.  This is probably the most important task you can undertake to battle mold sensitivity.  The effect is like pressure washing your sinuses daily to remove mold spores.
• Use distilled water and the salt packages that come with the nasal rinse system for optimal tolerance and effectiveness (full instructions are included).

To Address Bad Breath due to GERD or Acid Reflux

• See your physician as GERD is a serious medical condition that can have long-term health implications and may require medical intervention.
• Most physicians recommend OTC products to patients to address the acid component.  Proton pump inhibitors (Omeprozole), H2 Antagonists (Zantac) or antacids (TUMS) or other brands are recommended.
• Add 5-10 drops of Agrumax Dietary Supplement to water and drink.  This will address candida overgrowth in the gut and make the mouth rinsing much more effective and long lasting.  The taste is bitter. 

 

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