Methyl Mercaptan and Bad Breath

There is a well established link between a chemical called methyl mercaptan and bad breath. This chemical is one of three volatile sulfur compounds-hydrogen sulfide and dimethyl sulfide are the other two-that are produced by certain bacteria as they break down organic substances for nutrients. Scientists have long known that bacteria in the mouth produce these compounds, and that when large quantities of volatile sulfur compounds are being produced in someone's mouth, that individual will have halitosis-a foul and offensive odor on the breath.

Methyl mercaptan, also known as methanethiol, and the other volatile sulfur compounds have been studied to determine which compound is most responsible for the offensive smell of bad breath. Studies have indicated that the association of methyl mercaptan and bad breath is the strongest-this is likely the chemical most responsible for the odor.

It's one thing to understand that volatile sulfur compounds-frequently referred to simply as VSC-account for the odor of bad breath. It's another matter entirely to get rid of the problem. How can we prevent the production of methanethiol? The key to getting rid of the odor is getting rid of the bacteria that are producing it as a byproduct of metabolism. This is why many mouthwashes and other bad breath products contain antiseptics or other ingredients designed to fight bacteria. The most effective bad breath product will be one that reduces the number of bacteria in the mouth and keeps them down, making methyl mercaptan and bad breath a thing of the past.

Everybody has some VSC producing bacteria in the mouth, and some methanethiol, hydrogen sulfide, and dimethyl sulfide in their breath. Thankfully, for most people, the compounds are there in undetectable amounts. For the unfortunate sufferer of halitosis, the challenge is to change the oral environment, giving a boost to bacteria that do not produce VSC, and discouraging the types that do. To combat methyl mercaptan and bad breath, see your dentist for a dental checkup, and your doctor for a medical checkup, then try some of the recommended bad breath products that claim to fight oral bacteria.