Did you know that dental hygiene has been linked with longevity? Since bad breath is a sign of poor oral health – is there a way to improve it with lifestyle? New research suggests that specific bacteria found in fermented food, may provide a solution for bad breath.

Study Summary 

This new research, which analyzed 7 studies, found that: 

• A handful of probiotic bacteria, including: Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus reuteri, Streptococcus salivarius and Weissella cibaria, may lower levels of volatile organic compounds released from bacteria which otherwise play a role in the development of bad breath. Researchers concluded that there may be moderate evidence to support this. 
• Probiotics have no significant impact on plaque and tongue coating, which are major causes of bad breath. 

The Hearty Take 

Bad breath is caused by a number of things including an imbalanced oral microbiome and poor dental hygiene, including plaque build up and tongue coating, as well as food consumption, and ill health.Based on this study, there is not enough evidence to make a strong conclusion as to whether and what probiotics may improve the conditions of bad breath. However, these results are promising. Imagine a future in which bad breath could be targeted with probiotics!