Probiotic Bacteria BLIS K12 Supports the Maintenance of Fresh Breath

Most cases of bad breath are the result of protein breakdown by odor-causing bacteria thriving on the tongue. Bacterial by-products of this protein breakdown include foul-smelling gases which make the breath unpleasant.

02/03/09 In response to the growing demand for an effective breath-freshening solution, Frutarom Inc., USA, the exclusive marketer of BLIS K12, a new oral cavity probiotic bacteria, released study results showing BLIS K12 can effectively treat bad breath.

“BLIS K12 is an oral cavity probiotic with multiple functions, including helping to maintain a healthy ear, nose and throat plus maintaining immune function,” notes Laurent Leduc, VP Health Division for Frutarom. “The research on bad breath explores one of it’s many interesting activities.”

Most cases of bad breath are the result of protein breakdown by odor-causing bacteria thriving on the tongue. Bacterial by-products of this protein breakdown include foul-smelling gases which make the breath unpleasant. Good oral care, such as brushing and flossing every day, can help prevent bad breath by removing food debris and other sources of protein for these bacteria. However, for many people with chronic bad breath or on high protein diet, these steps alone do not provide a satisfactory solution.

“It’s all about bacterial balance,” explains Jocelyn Mathern, M.S., R.D., Technical Health Specialist for Frutarom USA. “ BLIS K12 can inhibit odor-causing bacteria and contribute to long-term fresh breath, rather than just masking bad breath, like most oral hygiene products do.”     

Research conducted by scientists at the BLIS Technologies Center for Innovation, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand, found that administration of BLIS K12 after an oral antimicrobial mouthwash reduced volatile sulfur compound levels in the mouths of individuals suffering from chronic bad breath. The outcome of this study indicates the replacement of bacteria causing bad breath by colonization with competitive bacteria, such as BLIS K12, could prove an effective strategy to reduce the severity of bad breath.

BLIS K12 was designed specifically to protect the entire oral cavity and is clinically shown to reduce the incidence of sore throat while boosting the immune system. It can be used in many applications and in combination with other probiotics.