Seeking Solutions for Persistent Mouth and Stomach Issues
Greetings everyone, For several years now, I’ve been struggling with a troubling issue, and despite numerous consultations with physicians, I have yet to find a resolution. The situation has become extremely exasperating. I encounter two primary concerns: firstly, a white, slimy substance accumulates in my mouth, which becomes sore, and secondly, I face ongoing halitosis. This slime generally appears each morning upon waking; at times it makes my lips feel glued together and hampers my ability to speak clearly. When I attempt to scrape my tongue, the accumulation seems never-ending, and I cease because of discomfort, not because the slime has subsided. One doctor previously identified the presence of Candida during testing, yet other evaluations returned negative results, indicating inconsistency. Despite this, I believe something is amiss, as such excessive slime cannot be typical. Interestingly, we used to employ a cleaning lady who experienced similar troubles prior to my own onset. Could this connection be significant? I live with several individuals, and one person among them also has these issues, although the others do not. This individual began showing symptoms after the cleaning lady's work started. Is it mere chance? Furthermore, in the early stages of my ordeal, I was diagnosed with periodontitis. My dentist performed a deep cleaning as treatment, and I’m now in the maintenance phase, receiving cleanings every six months. At my latest visit, my dentist remarked that my gums appear to be in good condition. Concerning the Candida, I was given Ampho-Moronal suspension multiple times throughout the years, but it didn’t yield any improvements. During a gastroscopy, doctors detected Helicobacter pylori along with a stomach ulcer. I adhered strictly to the antibiotic regimen prescribed, and subsequent breath tests returned negative for H. pylori. Interestingly, while taking the antibiotics, my bad breath improved significantly or completely vanished, but it returned swiftly after completing the course. Another doctor then recommended a fourteen-day course of fluconazole, yet the white slime persisted. I’ve been diligently managing my halitosis with an extremely rigorous oral hygiene regimen. The only product that consistently provides relief is a cosmetic mouthwash; if I forgo it, my bad breath resurfaces shortly after brushing, accompanied by soreness in my mouth. However, I’m not convinced that this approach offers a true solution; it feels more like a temporary masking of the problem. I’ve also observed that right after chewing gum—when my breath is fresh—the unpleasant smell resurfaces quickly once I discard the gum, and my mouth becomes tender until I brush my teeth again. I suspect the slime issue may have emerged after using Chlorhexamed mouthwash for my periodontitis, but I cannot be certain due to the passage of time. The last specialist I consulted was a well-respected ENT, who indicated that the issue likely originates from the stomach region. Regardless of the various treatments I’ve embarked upon, these issues remain persistent, severely detracting from my quality of life. I am at a loss about what steps to take next. I have seen countless doctors repeatedly, waiting up to two months for appointments with the hope that they might provide a remedy, only to find that either they don’t take my concerns seriously or confess their inability to help. Any insights or suggestions from anyone who might offer guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support!
Answers (1)
7/21/2025, 2:40:43 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the ongoing challenges you're facing with your mouth and stomach issues. It's understandable to feel frustrated given the persistence of your symptoms and the difficulty in finding effective solutions. Let's break down your situation and explore some practical steps you can take.
Main Points:
- Symptoms Overview: You are experiencing a white, slimy substance in your mouth, soreness, and halitosis, which have been persistent despite previous treatments.
- Possible Contributing Factors: You've noted a connection between your symptoms and previous exposure in your living environment while also mentioning a history of periodontitis and diagnosed Helicobacter pylori.
- Current Concerns: Ongoing discomfort and concerns about the effectiveness of treatments.
Explanation:
The accumulation of a slimy substance in the mouth can be related to several issues, including oral thrush (overgrowth of Candida), dry mouth, or even gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can also cause bad breath. The temporary relief you experienced while on antibiotics likely indicates a relationship between your stomach issues and oral health. Additionally, your observation regarding the Chlorhexamed mouthwash and its potential effects is worth noting, as some antibacterial products can alter the oral microbiome, sometimes leading to an overgrowth of yeast.
Next Steps:
Here are prioritized steps you can take to address your symptoms:
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Hydration and Saliva Stimulation:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help combat dryness in your mouth.
- Sugar-Free Gum or Mints: Chewing sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva production, which is essential for oral health.
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Mouth Care Routine:
- Gentle Cleaning: Continue brushing your teeth and tongue gently. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. If the slime is persistent, consider using a tongue scraper made of soft material.
- Rinse with Saltwater: Prepare a saltwater solution (1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) to rinse your mouth several times a day to help reduce inflammation and clear some oral debris.
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Dietary Adjustments:
- Eliminate Certain Foods: Consider reducing sugar and refined carbohydrates temporarily since these can contribute to candida overgrowth.
- Probiotics or Yogurt: Add probiotics to your diet, as they can help balance the oral microbiome. Fermented foods like yogurt may support gut health, potentially impacting oral health as well.
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Follow Up on Gastrointestinal Issues:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a symptom diary noting when your halitosis worsens or improves in relation to your diet, activities, and any potential triggers.
- Discuss Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD): Since your ENT mentioned stomach origins for your symptoms, discuss the possibility of GERD with your physician. This condition could contribute to both oral symptoms and halitosis.
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Consider a Comprehensive Approach:
- Revisit Specialists: If symptoms persist, you may want to pursue further evaluations from specialists, like a gastroenterologist for the stomach issues and potentially an oral medicine specialist for the oral symptoms.
- Referral to a Mycologist: If candida continues to be a concern, consider asking your healthcare provider for a referral to an infectious disease specialist or mycologist for a more targeted assessment and treatment plan.
Closing Thoughts:
I understand this journey has been exhausting, but by taking these actionable steps, you may find some relief and better understanding of your symptoms. Keep communicating openly with any doctors you see about your experiences, as this can lead to more personalized care. Remember, you're not alone in this – many people struggle with similar issues, and there are paths to improvement. If there’s anything more specific you’d like to ask or explore, feel free to share!
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