Why Bad Breath Happens
Bad breath is a common concern during the first few months after a gastric sleeve. Nearly half of all patients report some level of unpleasant breath during this period. The good news is that this issue is temporary and improves as the body heals.
What Causes It?
When the stomach is reduced by about 80%, it becomes narrow and swollen in the early postoperative days. Because of this swelling, saliva and liquids may not pass into the intestines as easily as before, which can contribute to bad breath. As the gastric mucosa heals and the swelling decreases, the passage of fluids improves and the odour gradually fades.
How to Reduce Bad Breath
To minimise bad breath, it helps to brush your teeth regularly, take your prescribed acid reflux medication each morning, and use a dose of antacid liquid (such as Gaviscon) before bedtime. Brushing the tongue is just as important as brushing the teeth and can significantly reduce odour.
A white coating or aphthous-like appearance on the tongue can also develop after a gastric sleeve for the same reasons. In this case, rinsing with a bicarbonate mouthwash—made by mixing two teaspoons of baking soda into a glass of water—twice daily can help. Most patients notice improvement within two days.
Gum Changes After Surgery
Some patients experience swelling or bleeding gums starting from the second month after surgery. The most common cause is Vitamin C deficiency, which highlights the importance of timely vitamin monitoring. Gum issues may also occur within the first 3–10 days due to the use of blood thinners (anticoagulants), which are routinely prescribed after surgery.
