How to get rid of bad breath?

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

American scientists have re-invented something useful - this time a method of fighting bad breath. As the researchers found, the main cause of halitosis is the bacteria Solobacterium moorei living on the surface of the tongue, and the most effective method of neutralization is cleaning with a special brush.

Experts from the University of Buffalo (New York), led by Betsy Clarke, studied the oral health of 21 patients with halitosis and 36 people who did not suffer from this disease (control group). Scraping from the surface of the tongue was examined in volunteers to identify the bacteria Solobacterium moorei. In addition, the concentration of volatile sulfur compounds (in particular, hydrogen sulfide), responsible for bad breath, was determined.

"Solobacterium moorei has been identified in 100% of patients with halitosis and in 14% of people without halitosis," Clarke said. At the same time, all patients from the control group in whom the bacterium was detected (four people) suffered from periodontitis - a gum infection, she noted.

“Bacteria on the surface of the tongue produce foul-smelling compounds and fatty acids. They are responsible for 80-90% of cases of bad breath,”said Clark. Also, a small number of cases of halitosis are associated with diseases of the lungs or paranasal sinuses, the scientist added.

According to scientists, in previous experiments there have already been indications that it is Solobacterium moorei that is the main cause of the disease. To combat the unpleasant odor, experts recommended brushing the surface of the tongue twice a day with special brushes and using an antibacterial toothpaste. Preliminary studies have shown this approach to be highly effective. Clarke and her colleagues are currently looking for optimal antibiotics and antiseptics against Solobacterium moorei.