The solution to bad breath could be in the foods that cause it, and you already have it in your kitchen!
Bacteria allies in your kitchen
Bad breath is an embarrassing problem for many people. Fortunately, there is a simple and effective solution, and it's in your kitchen. In fact, some fermented foods such as yogurt, sourdough bread and miso soup contain beneficial bacteria to combat this problem.
According to a recent study published in the journal BMJ OpenSome probiotic bacteria may help dissipate bad breath, also known as halitosis. Although these bacteria are found in common foods, the study examines their effectiveness in supplement form.
Friendly bacteria to fight bad breath
Not all bacteria are harmful or dangerous. In fact, many bacteria are essential to life and can provide many benefits. Four of them, called Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus reuteri, Streptococcus salivarius and Weissella cibaria, may be the ultimate solution to bad breath.
Bad breath is usually caused by volatile sulfur compounds, produced by bacteria in the mouth that mix with food residues. There are currently many methods to combat this problem, ranging from home remedies to pharmaceutical products. However, the bacteria mentioned in supplement form may be the best option.
The results of the study
To assess the effectiveness of these bacteria, scientists analyzed relevant clinical trials published through February 2021. They examined studies that included 278 people between the ages of 19 and 70.
In these studies, bad breath was defined by levels of volatile sulfur compounds detected in the mouth using the oral lichen planus (OLP) score, a measure of breath odor at different distances from the mouth.
Promising but temporary results
Study data showed a significant reduction in PLO scores in those given probiotics, compared with controls. Similar results were observed for another measure of bad breath, with lower levels of volatile sulfur compounds detected. However, these results were only temporary and no difference was observed after four weeks.
Although odor was reduced, there were no significant changes in dental plaque or dirt on the tongue, two factors commonly associated with bad breath. This suggests that probiotics may inhibit the breakdown of amino acids in the mouth, thereby reducing the production of malodorous by-products.
A promising remedy at hand
The results of this study show that bacteria found in fermented foods such as yogurt, sourdough bread and miso soup could be a promising solution to bad breath. However, it is important to note that the beneficial effects of probiotics appear to be temporary and that further research is needed to better understand their mechanism of action.
So the next time you're in your kitchen, don't hesitate to reach for these probiotic-rich foods to fight bad breath. Even if the effects are only temporary, it can be an interesting solution until you find a more lasting treatment.
Summary
My name is Maggie and I'm a writer for thesilverink.com, a website dedicated to news, culture and lifestyle. I have always been passionate about writing and I decided to make it my profession by becoming a web editor. I work on counterpoint.info and I mainly take care of the lifestyle section. I like to share my discoveries and my favorites with the readers, whether it's about fashion, beauty, decoration or gastronomy.
