Chewing gum, mints, mouthwashes, descaling… There are lots of ways to fight bad breath, also called halitosis. But that only hides the problem, which may come from a difficulty in digestion or even a concern fororal hygiene (in 85% of cases). Chinese scientists have just published a study in the British Medical Journal about foods that would help fight mouth odor.
In addition to more meticulous toothbrushing and the traditional annual visit to the dentist, there would therefore be foods that would help regulate bacteria in the mouth. This is at least what the study reveals, which relates to previously conducted surveys, with a fairly small sample of people: 278 participants, aged 19 to 70.
Yogurts, sourdough bread, miso soup
Researchers from the University of Sichuan in China took into account various factors such as the oral health of patients, the coating present on the tongue, the distance at which the breath was felt or the levels volatile organic molecules from the oral cavity.
Some people have adapted their diet by increasing the amount of fermented foods, which provide probiotics. The latter are known to be the benefactors of the digestive system, by regulating the balance of the microbiota. Yogurts, miso soup or even sourdough bread could therefore be allies in the fight against bad breath..
That said, however, they do not improve oral hygiene, regular and conscientious brushing of teeth will continue to be necessary! On the other hand, there are many causes for halitosis… If the latter is caused by concerns of stomach acidity and gastric reflux, or by ENT problems (sinusitis, rhinitis) with posterior discharge, these foods will not be enough. But they can be a first avenue to explore!
Source :
- Efficacy of probiotics in the management of halitosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis, British Medical JournalDecember 20, 2022