Can Probiotics Help with Bad Breath?

The Problem of Bad Breath

Bad breath is something that affects everyone from time to time, but for many people, it can become a chronic problem. In fact, bad breath, also called halitosis, ranks just behind cavities and periodontal disease in the list of reasons why people see the dentist. Going to the dentist is a good move, because, while bad breath can be the result of eating food like garlic, it can also be an indicator of oral issues like gum disease, cavities, and dry mouth. Your dentist can help rule these causes out, and may refer you to your primary care physician if there are concerns about health conditions that can cause bad breath, like diabetes or kidney disease. For most people, though, halitosis is caused by a blend of gases produced by mouth bacteria. Understanding that, scientists have begun to focus on using probiotics to help solve the problem of bad breath.

Understanding Mouth Bacteria

You probably know that our bodies play host to both harmful and beneficial bacteria. This is true in the digestive system, and equally true in the mouth. Gram-positive bacteria are the main species in dental plaque. Gram-negative bacteria are mostly found below the gum line, and these bacteria tend to cause most of the bad breath odor. They can’t do it alone, though, and the enzymes secreted by gram-positive bacteria make it easier for gram-negative, odor-producing bacteria to thrive. However, the average mouth has hundreds of types of bacteria. Researchers are beginning to understand that people with sweet-smelling breath do not lack bad bacteria, but rather have a better balance of bacterial species in their mouths.

How Probiotics Come Into Play

Traditionally, people have addressed bad breath by using mouthwashes that target all of the bacteria in the mouth. These rinses can have negative effects, like changing the taste of food or causing a tingling or burning sensation. Using them too often can even cause the mouth to become too dry, worsening the bad breath. The biggest problem, though, is that mouthwashes can wipe out the native bacteria, making it easier for bad bacteria to take over and cause issues like infections and gum disease. New research shows that the probiotic bacteria found in fermented foods can help reduce bad breath without damaging the mouth’s microbiome. Analyzing studies addressing this topic, researchers found these studies to have been small but promising. They show a decline in bad  breath among participants who took probiotic supplements, at least in the short term. Does this mean that eating probiotic foods could have the same effect? This seems like the logical conclusion, but more research is needed. It is important, for instance, to consider the types of probiotic foods being consumed. Loading up on probiotic dairy products could lead to an increase in carbs and sugar in the diet, boosting the number of plaque-causing bacteria in the mouth.

What to Do if You Are Worried About Bad Breath

If halitosis is a concern for you, talk to your primary care provider about starting probiotics. Your PCP can help you rule out any underlying health conditions, and advise you on which probiotics might work for you. Seeing a dentist is also important, because your dentist can help you determine how to better address your oral health and manage your bad breath.

Let Park 56 Help Find Solutions for Your Oral Health Issues

If you live in New York and you are looking for a dentist to help you maintain good oral health, why not choose the dentist voted best in the city? At Park 56 Dental Group, we offer pediatric, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, Invisalign®, emergency, and sedation dentistry, all at the highest level of treatment. Located in the 10022 zip code, we serve the Midtown, Central Park, Upper East Side, Park Avenue, and all surrounding Manhattan and New York areas, with a patient-centered practice that has hours to fit your schedule. Schedule your complimentary consultation today by contacting us online.