Harmful bacteria found to exist in the mouths of many halitosis sufferers
Bacteria that cause stomach ulcers and cancer are living in the mouths of some people with bad breath, even though they did not show signs of stomach illnesses, research published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology has found.
Doctor Nao Suzuki from Fukuoka Dental College in Fukuoka, Japan, discovered infection by the bacterium helicobacter pylori, carried by over 90% of people in the developing world and 20% to 80% of people in the developed world, was a possible cause of peptic ulcers and gastric cancers.
More recent research has also suggested that the human mouth, home to over 600 different species of bacteria is a possible reservoir for helicobacter pylori, particularly in the presence of periodontal or gum disease, a known cause of halitosis or bad breath.
Dr Suzuki said that bad breath or halitosis is mostly caused by gum disease, tongue debris, poor oral hygiene and badly fitted fillings that trap bacteria.
"Bacteria produce volatile compounds that smell unpleasant, including hydrogen sulphide, methyl mercaptan and dimethyl sulphide. Gastrointestinal diseases are also generally believed to cause halitosis," said Suzuki.
Researchers did DNA scans of saliva taken from 326 Japanese people; 251 had actual bad breath or halitosis and 75 did not. None showed signs of stomach illnesses.
Results showed 6.4% had helicobacter pylori in their mouths. These participants also had higher levels of other markers for periodontal disease, including higher levels of methyl mercaptan ; periodontopathic bacteria; tooth mobility and blood in the saliva.
