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Oral Health

How Oral Probiotics can target bad breath?

If you are prone to having bad breath, your mouth probably contains higher levels of some of the undesirable bacteria which release Volatile Sulphur Compounds (VSCs) that give the smell like rotten eggs.

While probiotics are traditionally known for enhancing gut flora and promoting a healthy digestive tract, new research supports the novel idea that probiotics may also promote a healthier oral cavity and reduce the amount of these stinky bacteria in your mouth.

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria and they may just be the key to getting rid of bad breath.

What is periodontitis?

Periodontitis is the inflammation around the tooth. It is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and bone that supports the tooth.
Microorganisms, such as bacteria stick to the surface of the tooth and multiply; thus causing inflammation.
Periodontitis if left untreated will leads to tooth loss.
Signs and symptoms of periodontitis are bright red gums, shrinking of the gums (teeth looks longer), extra spaces appear between the teeth, halitosis and loose teeth.

In addition to keeping fresh breath and prevention of streptococcal pharyngitis, do S.salivarius K12 have other health benefits?

Published studies showed that Streptococcus salivarius K12 is able to transfer from the mouth to the nasopharynx, and nasopharynx is the main growing place for otitis media bacteria. Hence, intake of Streptococcus salivarius K12 probiotic and its persistence effect in the oral cavity is able to inhibit harmful bacteria that lead to otitis media in children

What is Streptococcus salivarius K12?

Streptococcus salivarius K12 is a clinically proven probiotic strain to combat bad breath. Streptococcus salivarius K12 is originated from human and it is able to produce powerful bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances, Salivaricin A and Salivaricin B to fight against harmful bacteria in the mouth.

How to improve oral health? I brush my teeth twice daily followed by mouthwash and even carry a breath freshener with me all the time but the problem still occur.

First of all, you will need to know the root cause of your problem. Bad breath may arise from dry mouth, inflammation of the gum, poor oral healthcare, improper cleaning of dentures and in small percentages, from systemic disorders such as respiratory tract condition. Tooth decay or decaying food particles lodged between the teeth and indigestion can affect your breath while tobacco products and certain foods such as garlic and onion may also contribute to an unpleasant breath odor.

Garlic, onion and other odorous foods are absorbed into the bloodstream and it is transferred into the lungs where it is expelled and odor will continue until the body eliminates the food. Visit your dentist to determine the cause of your bad breath problem and if it is due to an oral condition, develop a treatment plan to eliminate it. In addition to brushing, it is also important to clean between the teeth once a day using dental floss. If you wear removable dentures, take them out at night and clean them thoroughly before using it. Avoid the use of alcohol-based mouthwashes as the alcohol dries the mouth and slows down saliva production that helps to keep mouth fresh.

You are also advised to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily to help prevent dry mouth and fruit juices are also good. It helps stimulate saliva secretion that controls the multiplication of oral bacteria. Consume more fiber from fruits and vegetables to improve digestion and bowel movement.

Supplementation with probiotics Streptococcus salivarius K12 to combat bad breath has been established in the research papers. Streptococcus salivarius K12 is known to produce two antimicrobial agents, salivaricin A and salivaricin B against bacterial species implicated in halitosis. By having Streptococcus salivarius K12, it helps to replenish healthy oral microbiota so that our mouth is back to a balanced state for fresh breath.