According to a recent study, probiotics found in fermented foods such as yogurt may provide short-term relief from halitosis.
Researchers from Sichuan University in Chengdu, China, investigated the effect of probiotics on bad breath over time. They reviewed previous studies comparing the effects of oral probiotics and placebo on primary halitosis outcomes (organoleptic [OLP] and volatile sulfur levels) and secondary outcomes (plaque scores and plaque index).
They identified seven trials involving 278 people that met the study criteria. The number of participants in each study was small, ranging from 23 to 68, with an age range of 19 to 70 years. Monitoring periods ranged from two to twelve weeks.
According to the analysis, the pooled data showed that OLP scores were significantly reduced in participants receiving probiotics compared with participants in the comparison groups, regardless of the length of the monitoring period.
A similar result was observed when comparing the levels of volatile sulfur compounds. The only difference is that the observed effects were relatively short-lived (up to four weeks), after which there was no noticeable difference.
Importantly, there were no significant differences in plaque scores or plaque index between those who received probiotics and those who did not, the authors noted.
Researchers explained that probiotics can inhibit the breakdown of amino acids and proteins by anaerobic bacteria in the mouth, thereby curbing the formation of bad breath.
“This systematic review and meta-analysis shows that probiotics (eg, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus reuteri, Streptococcus salivarius, and Weissella cibaria) can alleviate halitosis in the short term by reducing volatile sulfur compound levels, but do not significantly affect the main causes of bad breath, such as plaque and plaque that forms on the tongue,” the authors concluded.