Bad breath can be caused by many causes, but very often it is caused by a bacterial imbalance in your mouth. A bacterial infection will cause an abnormal growth of a particular bacteria, or yeast, and it will cause bad breath, and sometimes, plaque deposits that cannot be managed with regular oral hygiene.
An oral bacterial overgrowth sometimes is treated with antibiotics, or clorhexidine, which is usually fine, and many times fixes the problem. However, because of the nature of antibiotics, the antibiotics could fix the problem on a short term basis, and then the problem might resusrface, even more virulent than before. Don’t get me wrong, clorhexidine is fantastic, and I have someone close that used it and fixed a bad gingivitis. Their dentist was amazed about the great progress after using clorhexidine. However, clorhexidine is a powerfull solution, that should be tried if probiotics/prebiotics don’t work.
In normal conditions, probiotics existing in our mouth defend us by killing the pathogen yeasts, and bacteria. Antibiotics kill all bacteria, indiscriminately, good or bad, and when the native oral microflora is inexistent, opportunistic yeasts, or bacteria, might develop faster than normal, because there is no competition for them anymore. This is why oral health probiotics are very efficient. They only kill pathogens, and they cohabit along with the oral microbiota, helping it rid of the intruders.
BLIS Technologies Limited, a New Zealand company, has a lot of research in the oral health probiotics, and they have on the market two probiotic supplements that target the oral cavity area. Blis M18 was developed for preventing gums disease and tooth decay.
The other probiotic from BLIS Technologies is BLIS K12, which is one of my favorite probiotic supplements. I usually try to supplement naturally with probiotics, from fermented foods, or with a prebiotic foods supplementation, if my diet is poor at times. However, this is one of the probiotics that you can’t get it from foods, you either have it or you don’t. BLIS K12 is a special strain of Streptococcus salivarius, a normal cohabitant of our mouth. BLIS K12 is very active, compared to other Streptococcus salivarius strains, and they produce Bacteriocin Like Inhibitory Substances, that kill foreign bacteria and viruses.
BLIS K12 is a Streptococcus, and some people might be sensitive to it. If you know you have strep sensitivity, consult a doctor before taking it. You could probably start with a low dose, of half a lozenge per week, and slowly work your way up. But even this way can be risky, so use medical advice. If you are prone to infections, this is also not a good fit for you. Remember, this particular strain of Streptococcus salivarius is not a usual inhabitant in our mouth, so the interactions with your body, and other bacteria in your mouth are not easy to predict. Even if you are not at risk of developing infections, you will have to be careful.
NOW Supplements, OralBiotic, Developed for Adults
Now Foods are known for their effective supplements at decent prices. Oralbiotic Blis K12 make no difference, it is a branded version of the BLIS Technologies probiotic strain. It contains 1 Billion CFU per lozenge, and some sugar replacements to make it palatable. Also contains xylitol, which is another germ fighting compound. The supplement has great ratings on Amazon, and is one of the best selling oral health supplement.
Streptococcus salivarius BLIS K12 is now almost famous, with so many people getting great results in maintaining a great oral health. BLIS is an acronym for bacteriocin like inhibitory substance, and the term is used to describe the capability of certain…
BLIS K12 is found naturally in the oral microbiota of some people. Unfortunately, only a small number of people has this strain. Most of us don’t have it, and we are relying on our immune system to defend us against pathogens. For me, the most amazing thing about this probiotic is that it kills the bacteria that causes halitosis, (bad breath). Although, this migh not have been the initial purpose for the research around K12, this came up as a bonus, and it is confirmed through scientific research(link is external), that it works.
BLIS K12 is found naturally in the oral microbiota of some people. Unfortunately, only a small number of people has this strain. Most of us don’t have it, and we are relying on our immune system to defend us against pathogens. For me, the most amazing thing about this probiotic is that it kills the bacteria that causes halitosis, (bad breath). Although, this migh not have been the initial purpose for the research around K12, this came up as a bonus, and it is confirmed through scientific research, that it works.
Lactobacillus salivarius is another researched bacteria with great results in controling bad breath. Research on halitosis and probiotics, showed that L. salivarius, not only reduces halitosis, but also reduces the plaque formation, and gingivitis associated bleeding.
A great product for oral health is “Dental Probiotics” from Wild Fuel. The supplement is a combo of 15 bacterial strains, among which Lactobacillus salivarius. The combo seems to be very effective at neutralizing bad breath. This also contains Calcium and Zinc. I am currently using this, on and off and it does work greatly for me. The only problem that I have with them is the chalky taste that might make them unpalatable for some people. However, I am more than happy to bear the chalky taste because they work great. There is something to be said about the high cost of these as well.