#This article has been updated on 28/02/2025
Imagine you’re getting ready for an important meeting or a date. You’ve brushed your teeth, used mouthwash, and popped a mint, yet the persistent bad breath returns just hours later. This cycle of temporary fixes is all too familiar for many who struggle with bad breath, or halitosis. The reason? Conventional methods like mouthwashes and mints only mask the odour and often disrupt the balance of bacteria in your mouth - killing both good and bad bacteria. Read on to discover how probiotics provide a long-term solution for fresh breath.
Understanding Halitosis: What Causes Bad Breath?
Bacteria are at the heart of bad breath, with an estimated 90% of cases linked to an imbalance between good and bad bacteria in the oral cavity. When odour-causing bacteria outnumber beneficial bacteria, the result is persistent bad breath. Addressing this bacterial imbalance is the key to achieving long-lasting fresh breath.
Common Causes of Bad Breath
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Not brushing or flossing properly allows food particles to remain in the mouth, which bacteria then break down, producing volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) that smell bad.
- Dietary Factors: Sugar-rich foods feed bacteria that produce foul-smelling VSCs. Strong-smelling foods like garlic and onions also contribute to temporary bad breath.
- Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Saliva naturally cleanses the mouth by washing away bacteria. When saliva production is low due to smoking, alcohol consumption, or dehydration, odour-causing bacteria thrive.
- Morning Breath: Saliva production decreases during sleep, allowing bacteria to multiply overnight, leading to bad breath upon waking.
Traditional Remedies vs. Probiotics: Do Probiotics Help with Bad Breath?
Many people turn to traditional mouthwashes and mints for fresh breath. While these traditional solutions offer temporary relief, they fail to address the root cause. Some mouthwashes contain alcohol, which dries out the mouth, exacerbating bad breath by creating an environment where odour-causing bacteria thrive.
Unlike traditional solutions, probiotics actively restore the balance of beneficial bacteria in the mouth. Streptococcus salivarius BLIS K12®, a scientifically studied probiotic strain, is designed to target halitosis by:
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Crowding out harmful bacteria responsible for bad breath.
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Producing Bacteriocin-Like Inhibitory Substances that prevent the growth of VSC-producing bacteria.
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Supporting a healthier oral microbiome, reducing the likelihood of bad breath returning.
Mouth wash in conjunction with probiotics, can be useful in re-setting the mouth with beneficial bacteria. By introducing beneficial bacteria, probiotics like BLIS K12® tackle the root cause of halitosis, offering a lasting solution instead of just masking odour.
What to Expect When Starting Probiotics for Halitosis
Results can vary based on individual oral microbiomes, but most users notice improvements within a few days to four weeks of consistent use. Unlike mouthwash, which offers short-term relief, probiotics provide long-term benefits by addressing the underlying cause of bad breath.
FAQs on How to Fix Bad Breath (Halitosis) with Probiotics
Can probiotics permanently fix bad breath?
While probiotics significantly reduce bad breath, maintaining good oral hygiene and a balanced diet is essential for sustained results.
Are probiotics safe for everyone?
Probiotics are generally safe for all individuals. However, if you have an underlying medical condition or compromised immunity, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting probiotic supplementation.
Do you offer probiotics for bad breath from the stomach?
Though BLIS Probiotics® primarily target bad breath caused by oral bacteria with strains like BLIS K12® and BLIS M18®, designed for the mouth and throat, they also offer UltraBLIS® - a product that combines BLIS K12® and two proven gut strains - Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14™ and Bifidobacterium lactis HN019™. UltraBLIS® promotes good probiotic bacteria in the mouth, throat and gut - one lozenge with two combined benefits.
Fix Your Bad Breath Today
Take control of your oral health with the FreshBreath™ Kit with BLIS K12®. Experience a scientifically-backed approach to fresher breath, improved oral health, and lasting confidence.
Freshen your breath and support your overall oral health with BLIS K12® today!
