#This article has been updated on 26/09/2024
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 explore how you can fix bad breath with probiotics.
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. If smelly bacteria outnumber beneficial bacteria, the result is bad breath. Understanding how to fix bad breath begins with addressing these underlying bacterial imbalances.
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: Foods high in sugar can feed bacteria that produce VSCs. Additionally, strong-smelling foods like garlic and onions contribute to temporary bad breath.
- Dry Mouth: Saliva acts as a natural cleanser for the mouth. When saliva production is low due to factors like smoking, alcohol, or even depression, smelly bacteria can thrive.
- Morning Breath: Reduced saliva production during sleep is why many people experience bad breath in the morning.
Traditional Remedies vs. Probiotics: Do Probiotics Help with Bad Breath?
Traditional Remedies: Common solutions like mouthwash and mints might offer temporary relief, but they often fail to target the root cause of halitosis. While mouthwashes can kill both good and bad bacteria, this disruption allows harmful bacteria to recolonize quickly once the effects wear off.
Probiotics for Bad Breath: Unlike these temporary measures, probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria that help balance the oral microbiome by crowding out harmful bacteria and repopulating with good bacteria. Specific probiotic strains like Streptococcus Salivarius (BLIS K12®) are scientifically developed oral probiotics designed specifically for bad breath (halitosis). BLIS K12® supports a fresh healthy breath, by crowding out the bad “smelly” bacteria in your mouth and repopulating it with good bacteria, so the oral microbiome becomes more balanced. In addition, BLIS K12® works by producing Bacteriocin-Like Inhibitory Substances that inhibit the growth of bad bacteria responsible for VSC production. By crowding out the harmful bacteria, these probiotics help maintain fresher breath and a healthier oral environment by solving the root causes of halitosis.
Incorporating Probiotics into Your Daily Routine
For optimal results, incorporate probiotics into your routine by using lozenges after brushing and before bedtime. Consistency is key to reaping the full benefits of probiotics for bad breath. Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene, staying hydrated, and reducing sugary foods will enhance the effectiveness of these probiotics.
Potential Benefits Beyond Fixing Bad Breath
Beyond addressing bad breath, probiotics like BLIS K12® also offer benefits such as improved gum health, reduced risk of throat infections, and enhanced overall oral immunity. This makes probiotics a valuable addition not just for combating halitosis but for supporting general oral health.
What to Expect When Starting Probiotics for Halitosis
Results can vary, with some noticing improvements within days, while full benefits might take several weeks of consistent use. Most users experience no side effects, but it’s always wise to consult a healthcare professional if you have specific health concerns. You will start to notice the signs probiotics are working for you typically within a month.
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 is essential for sustained results.
Are probiotics safe for everyone?
Probiotics are generally safe, but it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider if you have an underlying health condition.
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.
