Bad Breath and Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance, which is the body's inability to properly digest lactose, is a condition that affects up to 50 million people living in the United States. It's possible to live comfortably with lactose intolerance, however, provided that you make the necessary changes to your diet, specifically, if you avoid milk and other foods that contain lactose. Continuing to drink milk products can cause a variety of unpleasant side effects, including bad breath.

Bad Breath Doesn't Mean Lactose Intolerance

Bad breath is not a common symptom of lactose intolerance, notes the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. The organization's list of common symptoms includes abdominal pain and bloating, excess gas, diarrhea and nausea. If you have bad breath, the condition more likely relates to poor dental hygiene, stress, smoking or medication that dries out your mouth. Speak with your dentist or doctor to pinpoint the cause.