Get rid of bad breath: New study shows what helps
Created: 01/11/2023 12:46 p.m
By: Vivian Werg
Bad breath is a topic that nobody likes to talk about openly.
Every fourth German suffers from it.
A study shows what can be done about it.
FRANKFURT – Many people avoid foods that contain onions or garlic because they can cause significant bad breath that can last for days at times.
However, bad breath after eating certain foods is usually temporary.
It's different with persistent bad breath.
As the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Dentists (KZBV) informs, around 25 percent of the population suffer from this form of bad breath.
With increasing age, the number of those affected increases again.
Contrary to popular belief, bad breath does not usually arise in the gastrointestinal area, but in about 90 percent of cases in the oral cavity itself. A new study shows how bad breath can be effectively combated.
Bad breath is common.
Every fourth German suffers from it (symbol image) © Jochen Tack/ Imago
New study: Probiotic bacteria reduce bad breath
A research team headed by Longjiang Li from Sichuan University in Chengdu (China) found out in a study that the administration of probiotic bacteria can alleviate bad breath.
This is the result of an analysis of several studies that have examined the effect of probiotics on perceptible and measurable bad breath.
Accordingly, the probiotics administered through chewing gum or lozenges primarily reduce the formation of volatile and smelly sulfur compounds, especially hydrogen sulfide.
"Halitosis has a significant impact on patients' daily work and social activities and can even lead to common mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression and social isolation," the researchers write.
Efficacy of probiotics against bad breath
"According to the available studies, probiotic therapy reduces the concentrations of odorous substances by inhibiting the breakdown of amino acids and proteins by anaerobic bacteria," write the study authors.
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According to the study, anaerobic bacteria do not need oxygen for their metabolism and can live deep in the tongue crevices and other crevices of the mouth.
Their growth is inhibited by the probiotic bacteria.
Around a quarter of all people worldwide suffer at least temporarily from unpleasant bad breath, medically known as halitosis.
Bad breath is chronic in about six percent of people.
Often the causes of bad breath are harmless, but not always.
Serious illnesses can also sometimes be behind it.
Bad breath: The most common cause
In more than 90 percent of cases, microorganisms in the oral cavity are responsible for the odor.
In the mouth, there are mainly bacteria in the recesses of the tongue, which produce foul-smelling gases by breaking down organic substances.
However, the microorganisms can also sit on the teeth and in gum pockets.
Such bacteria can cause inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and the periodontium (periodontitis).
To prevent odor-causing bacteria from developing in the mouth in the first place, dentists recommend simple preventive measures:
Daily brushing of teeth
Fluoridated Toothpastes
train cleaner
Dental floss or interdental brushes
Mouthwashes with antibacterial and/or active ingredients that neutralize sulfur compounds
Adequate hydration
Regular visit to the dentist
Halitosis is often treated with tartar removal, professional teeth cleaning, and tongue cleaning.
In some cases, mouthwashes, antibiotics and, for some years now, probiotics are also used.
(Vivian Werg)
Editor's note
The information given in this article does not replace a visit to a doctor. Only experts can make the right diagnosis and initiate appropriate therapy. The intake of medication or dietary supplements should be discussed with a doctor beforehand.
