SINGAPORE — Most of us would be familiar with using probiotics to improve gut health. Now, new research suggests that probiotics can also combat bacteria that cause bad breath.

In a study published in the Archives of Oral Biology earlier this year, an oral probiotic strain, known as S Salivarius K12, has been found to prevent several oral health issues such as bad breath and gum disease. The S Salivarius M18 is another strain found to be useful in preventing oral health issues.

Bad breath, or halitosis in medical jargon, affects everyone at some point in their lives. According to United States-based dentist and bacteriologist, Dr Harold Katz, who spoke at a talk organised by the Society of Periodontology Singapore last week, bad breath occurs when volatile sulphur-producing bacteria are present in the mouth.

People with bad breath have more of these bacteria which live below the surface of the tongue, in the throat and tonsils. These bacteria thrive in an environment where oxygen is not present, but are destroyed in the presence of oxygen.

Dr Katz, founder of The California Breath Clinics, said: “S Salivarius K12 and M18 produce a beneficial protein known as BLIS, which prevents harmful bacteria from growing in the mouth and on the tongue. Studies show that with one week of use, enough good bacteria can grow for the next four weeks to prevent oral health problems.”

He stressed that only these two specialised strains of oral probiotics work for oral health problems. “These are not stomach bacteria found in yogurt and probiotics-added drinks. These types of products will not help bad breath or other oral problems,” Dr Katz added.

Medical conditions like diabetes and allergies as well as certain medications like anti-depressants and antihistamines can result in a dry mouth, which leads to bad breath.

In some cases, bad breath could be a manifestation of diseases originating from the liver, stomach or kidneys, noted Dr Tan Shuh Chern, a dentist from White Dental Group.

The type of food Singaporeans eat may also exacerbate bad breath. According to Dr Tan, most local dishes such as curry and chicken rice contain ingredients with high sulphur compounds. Other foods rich in sulphur compounds include onions, garlic and durians.

Dr Tan added that excessive intake of sour food such as vinegar, pickles and sour plums can also lead to bad breath. “These foods not only create an acidic oral environment that encourages the growth of bad breath causing anaerobic bacteria, but also contribute to erosion of the teeth,” he said.

Dr Tan said using probiotics to treat bad breath is safe, but still a relatively new concept here.

Good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups should be the first steps in combating bad breath.

Another method to keep bad breath at bay is to drink water and eat breakfast, which stimulates salivary flow, he added.