31% of us struggle with bad breath ( Source: Springer Nature ). Good news: the right probiotic can really rebalance the oral flora and stop the bacteria that make your mouth smell bad!
Key takeaways:
- A suitable probiotic helps reduce bad breath by acting on the oral flora.
- Some strains like Streptococcus salivarius or Lactobacillus reuteri show real effectiveness .
- Combining probiotics and good oral hygiene is the winning combination for a fresh mouth.
- Choosing the right dietary supplement also improves digestive comfort, which is often linked to halitosis.
What are the causes of bad breath?
Bad breath and the gut microbiota are closely linked. Understanding the cause helps to better address oral odor without dramatizing the situation or promising miracles.
The number one cause of bad breath is the breakdown of sulfur compounds in the oral cavity, which stems from an imbalance in the gut microbiota . This small world of bacteria influences the odor of our mouths every day.
Oral hygiene and diet play a key role. When brushing teeth or using dental floss is neglected, dental plaque accumulates and promotes the production of foul-smelling gases .
Oral flora does not act alone: digestive problems , dry mouth or an unbalanced diet can also impact the balance of the oral and dental sphere.
The cause may be local or related to the intestine, particularly in people prone to digestive disorders or poor dietary hygiene.
Medicine has long believed that bad breath is merely a hygiene issue, but today we know that the oral microbiota influences oral health , food degradation, and the formation of sulfur compounds responsible for the unpleasant odor.
Breath therefore depends on a balance between beneficial and pathogenic bacteria in the mouth.
To support this delicate balance, certain oral and intestinal probiotics become true allies .
Our expert solution
Our Intestinal Flora Probiotics product is a food supplement that provides selected strains for oral and intestinal flora , thus promoting optimal oral hygiene as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Discover Probiotics for Gut Flora Why can probiotics affect bad breath?
Probiotics can protect the oral flora , fight bad breath and provide concrete benefits for oral health thanks to their effect on undesirable bacteria.
Combating bad breath often involves rebalancing the oral flora. Probiotics act on undesirable bacteria by modifying the oral environment, which helps prevent halitosis .
Strains such as Lactobacillus reuteri or Streptococcus salivarius have shown beneficial effects on reducing halitosis by helping to rebalance the oral microbiota ( BMJ Open ).
However, the BMJ publication specifies that the effects are short-term (up to 4 weeks) and that probiotics do not have a significant effect on underlying causes such as dental plaque or tongue coating. It concludes that higher-quality trials are needed.
Protecting your oral health is not just about brushing your teeth: the intake of good bacteria helps to limit undesirable bacteria responsible for odors and to support a healthy balance in the oral cavity.
The main effect of probiotics in the mouth is to create an environment less conducive to the formation of sulfur compounds , a major cause of bad breath. This benefit naturally integrates into a comprehensive oral hygiene routine.
Recommended probiotic strains for bad breath
| Strain | Main action | Targeted area | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lactobacillus salivarius | Reduces odor-causing bacteria | Tongue and oral cavity | Lozenges, oral capsules |
| Streptococcus salivarius K12 | Limits the formation of sulfur compounds | Mouth, tongue | Lozenges, oral tablets |
| Lactobacillus reuteri | Contributes to the balance of the oral flora | Mouth and gums | Capsule, food supplement |
| Lactobacillus casei | Supports overall oral health | Mouth, teeth | Oral capsule |
| Bifidobacterium lactis | Promotes digestive and oral balance | Intestine and mouth | Dietary supplement |
- Lactobacillus salivarius acts directly on the tongue: it reduces odor and supports fresh breath every day.
- Streptococcus salivarius targets bacteria that cause bad breath, particularly on the tongue and in the oral cavity.
- Lactobacillus reuteri promotes an effective balance of the oral microbiota for dental health.
These strains can be integrated into an oral hygiene routine, for visible effects while protecting teeth and mouth.
How to choose an effective probiotic against bad breath?
- Appropriate solution: opt for probiotics specifically designed for the oral and intestinal sphere, in tablet, capsule or lozenge form, to act where the problem manifests itself.
- Strain type: opt for lactobacillus salivarius , streptococcus salivarius or lactobacillus reuteri , known for their effect on the oral flora.
- Billion CFU: an effective probiotic displays a high number of live strains, ideally several billion CFU per dose for a measurable effect on the oral flora.
- Daily intake: a simple routine, taken in the morning or evening, increases the chances of observing effects on the smell and freshness of the mouth.
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Quality and traceability: choose a product with guaranteed preservation, without excess sugar or artificial flavors, to respect oral balance and dental health.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about probiotics and bad breath
Find here practical answers on the use of probiotics against bad breath, the time of action, side effects, and comparison with mouthwash or chewing gum.
Can probiotics be used for children or pregnant women to treat bad breath?
We advise you to consult a doctor before using a probiotic in children or pregnant women. The goal remains the prevention of bad breath, without risk to oral health.
How long does it take to feel the first effects on breath?
The effect on breath odor varies depending on the type of probiotic, the frequency of intake, and oral hygiene. We often observe results in terms of freshness within two weeks , provided that a suitable toothpaste is also used and teeth are brushed regularly.
Are there any side effects to taking probiotics for bad breath?
The supplement is generally well tolerated. Some people experience mild digestive upset , especially when using billions of CFU. Maintain a varied diet and discontinue use if discomfort persists.
Probiotics or mouthwash: which solution is the most sustainable?
Mint or chlorophyll mouthwash provides a quick cooling sensation, like chewing gum, but its effect is temporary. Probiotics promote a lasting oral balance and can help prevent cavities and dental disease.
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Source cited: Springer Nature
