Acid Reflux is Caused by a Broken Valve
Whatever you eat, travels from your mouth, down your esophagus and into your stomach where it is broken down by stomach acid and digestive enzymes. As food passes from the esophagus to the stomach, it must pass through a ring of muscle tissue called the lower esophageal sphincter muscle. This muscle is designed to act as a valve that opens and closes the bottom of the esophagus that empties into the stomach. This muscle serves to create a barrier of pressure that works to keep the contents of the stomach (including the acid and enzymes that are there to help break down food) in the stomach.
A Broken Valve Lets Acid Enter the Esophagus
In individuals who don't have a properly functioning lower esophageal sphincter muscle, the valve doesn't shut tightly and stomach acid, digestive enzymes, bacteria and food particles can creep into the esophagus. This acid concoction can sometimes even reach the back of the throat and mouth. If you've ever felt like you've thrown up in your mouth, you know what this tastes like. Acidic foods like tomatoes and orange juice can increase the severity of acid reflux.
The Acid That Enters the Esophagus and Throat Leads to Bad Breath
In addition to the refluxed acid concoction itself having a foul taste and odor, if an individual suffers from persistent acid reflux, as the acid is refluxed up into the esophagus, the esophagus can become burned or damaged which can create a foul odor. As you breathe out of your mouth, the foul odors from your esophagus and throat are released into the air. If you've recently eaten a strong smelling meal, like one containing garlic and onions for example, if you experience reflux right after, the odors from the foods that you recently ate may also enter into the esophagus and mouth, causing bad breath.
Tags: into esophagus, your mouth, acid concoction, acid digestive, acid digestive enzymes, Acid Reflux, acid reflux