Dental Probiotics for Bad Breath: A Solution With Impressive Potential

Probiotics are products containing live bacteria and yeasts that benefit your health. 

In your mouth, you have a community of billions of bacteria and yeasts (microbes) called the oral microbiome (similar to the microbiome in your gut). The oral microbiome contains “good” microbes that have health benefits (commensal) and microbes that have the potential to do harm. In a healthy mouth, the “good” commensal microbes keep the “bad” microbes in check, preventing them from causing harm. However, if something alters the delicate balance of the microbiome, the bad bacteria can flourish. 

Probiotics work by introducing or nurturing the good bacteria, helping to maintain the delicate balance of the oral microbiome. Certain fermented foods are considered to be probiotic, such as yogurt and sauerkraut, because they contain live strains of beneficial microbes. You can also get oral probiotic supplements that contain these beneficial strains. 

Building on the incredible evidence of the benefits of probiotics for gut health, researchers continue to explore how probiotics can impact your oral health, too., And because bad breath almost always starts with bacteria, the benefits may include banishing bad breath.

Bacteria found on the tongue and below the gums produce the foul-smelling gas behind most cases of bad breath. These bacteria emit volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) — such as hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan — that smell like rotten eggs or cabbage. While brushing, flossing, swishing mouth rinse, and chewing gum can remove gas-producing bacteria to freshen breath, these methods only work temporarily since the bacteria quickly repopulate.

A literature review thesis from the University of Connecticut shows the best way to get rid of offensive breath is to focus on colonizing the mouth with good bacteria instead of waging war against the bad. And that’s exactly what oral probiotics for bad breath do! You see, with solutions that focus on removing bad bacteria, it can be hard to avoid the good bacteria getting caught in the crossfire. Instead, by nurturing the good bacteria and increasing its numbers, you’re simply restoring the natural ability of your oral microbiome to balance and regulate itself. 

The University of Connecticut review cites a study, which found that the Streptococcus salivarius strain K12 effectively reduces the bacterial growth associated with halitosis. Researchers gave test subjects K12 probiotic lozenges, and after one week, 85 percent of participants showed a significant reduction in VSCs. Even more good news –,  these bacteria strains also helped reduce gingivitis, pharyngitis, oral candidiasis, and dental decay.

To get relief from bad breath right this minute, you’ll get best results with your toothbrush, floss, mouthwash, and sugar-free gum. However, oral probiotics for bad breath are a promising long-term solution. Probiotic supplements are available in the form of lozenges, chewable tablets, drinks, and even toothpaste.

If bad breath continues to be an issue, make sure to see your dental professional or physician to rule out any underlying causes, such as periodontal disease, sinus issues, or gastrointestinal disease. Otherwise, combine oral probiotics for bad breath with a good oral hygiene routine, and halitosis should never hold you back.

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.