Yogurt for Bad Breath

Recent scientific studies suggest that eating yogurt for bad breath may be beneficial. One study had volunteers avoid yogurt for a period of time and then eat it daily: measurements of the breath taken during both periods showed a reduction in hydrogen sulfide, one of the sulfur compounds responsible for the foul odor of bad breath (halitosis), when yogourt was eaten. Though the results are not fully understood, benefits may be the result of several things.

One reason we may be able to fight halitosis with yogourt is that this dairy product is made with live bacterial cultures of mixed lactic acid bacteria: lactobacillus, bifidobacterium, and others. These live organisms provide competition for oral bacteria as they pass through the mouth, replacing some of the bacteria that produce hydrogen sulfide and other volatile sulfur compounds (VSC). Organisms in yogurt and bad breath are mutually exclusive because lactic acid bacteria do not produce VSC.

Lactic acid bacteria produce several chemicals that help explain why it makes sense to fight halitosis with yogourt. The first is lactic acid, an acidic byproduct of the fermentation of milk, which creates an inhospitable environment for the bacteria that produce VSC. Second, at least some of the lactic acid bacteria interact with the anaerobic producers of VSC to produce hydrogen peroxide, which inhibits both anaerobes and VSC. Thus, the theory is we can regularly expose VSC-producing oral bacteria to strong competition by using yogurt for bad breath.

Several caveats should be pointed out in any discussion of yogurt for bad breath: the acidity of lactic acid is thought to be damaging to tooth enamel, so practice good oral hygiene that includes regular brushing after eating. Likewise, the link between sugary foods and dental decay is well established: the best choice to fight halitosis with yogourt is a plain, unsweetened product with live (active) bacterial cultures.