The Science Behind Breath Products

Once upon a time, there was no science behind breath products. Freshening the breath was a simple matter of what worked. This explains the wide variety of home remedies, such as mint, cloves, anise, parsley, dill etc. most of which rely on strong natural odors to mask a bad smell on the breath. Many of these remedies are still in use today, despite the considerable scientific research that has now been done. Not surprisingly, when scientists look at these old remedies, they find that some of them do have real value in treating bad breath.

We now know that relieving halitosis in a significant way depends on controlling the numbers of anaerobic odor-causing bacteria that live in the mouth. Thus, both old and new treatments that work are those that have some antibacterial activity. In home remedies, it is usually essential oils that act on bacteria and these may hold the key to new treatments in the future. Using the current science behind breath products, however, manufacturers of commercial preparations generally add antiseptics such as chlorhexamide, attempt to introduce oxygen to the anaerobic environment of the mouth, or try to physically remove the bacteria with oils (also tongue scrapers, and other mouth cleaning tools).

Unfortunately oral malodor is an obstinate problem that is still difficult to get rid of permanently, especially when no specific cause can be found. Relieving halitosis is typically a long term commitment that requires daily oral care and the purchase of commercial preparations. Fortunately, an increased interest in halitosis in the medical community means that the science behind breath products will continue to expand.

Relieving halitosis remains a challenge for both health care specialists and patients. Breath products are improving, however, and oral malodor sufferers today have more choices than ever before. Advancing science behind breath products will no doubt eventually lead to a better understanding of the causes of this common problem and to new drugs and oral treatments that cure it for good.