Go Ad-Free
logoThe People's Perspective on Medicine

Can Milk Cause Bad Breath?

Q. I have seen some questions in your column regarding bad breath. I’d like to share my personal experience. I used to have bad breath and had seen my dentist and my doctor about it, but found no solution until I discovered that my lactose intolerance was causing the problem.

On a two-week trip overseas several years ago, I happened to consume no milk. I felt better than I ever had in my life, and did not worry about my breath.

When I got home, I started consuming milk as usual and the problem returned. Avoiding dairy products solved the problem.

A. Lactose intolerance is an inability to digest milk sugar. Symptoms often include gas, bloating, diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. We have not been able to find studies linking bad breath to lactose intolerance in the medical literature. Nevertheless, we congratulate you on finding a simple solution to your problem.

There is a hydrogen breath test for lactose intolerance. People who suspect that their digestive woes are caused by dairy products can request it from a physician. There are also lactase pills (Lactaid, house brands) that help break down milk sugar to reduce symptoms.

Rate this article
star-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-empty
4.4- 18 ratings
About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
Tired of the ads on our website?

Now you can browse our website completely ad-free for just $5 / month. Stay up to date on breaking health news and support our work without the distraction of advertisements.

Browse our website ad-free
Join over 150,000 Subscribers at The People's Pharmacy

We're empowering you to make wise decisions about your own health, by providing you with essential health information about both medical and alternative treatment options.