It’s the social nightmare we all dread – realizing too late that our breath smells like something crawled in our mouth and died. But what actually causes bad breath?
A recent study from researchers at Osaka University has uncovered the bacterial culprits behind this stinky scourge. Published in mSystems, the findings reveal that it’s not just one type of bacteria, but the funky interactions between two oral residents that really raise a stink ¹.
Fusobacterium nucleatum & Streptococcus gordonii: The Halitosis Dream Team
The study found that a common oral bacterium called Fusobacterium nucleatum churns out high levels of methyl mercaptan (the compound responsible for that rotten egg smell) when activated by another bacterial buddy, Streptococcus gordonii.
Using a sophisticated “co-culture” system, the researchers showed that S. gordonii secretes ornithine, which revs up F. nucleatum’s production of a molecule called polyamine.
And here’s the kicker – to make more polyamine, F. nucleatum has to tap into its methionine reserves, a process that also generates stinky methyl mercaptan as a byproduct.
Beyond Dragon Breath: The Gum Disease Connection
But this microbial tag-team isn’t just an aesthetic annoyance – it could spell trouble for your oral health. F. nucleatum is a known troublemaker when it comes to periodontal disease, the chronic inflammation of gums and tooth-supporting bones.
By understanding how these bacteria conspire to create bad breath, researchers hope to develop targeted treatments that could nip gum disease in the bud.
Keeping the Stink at Bay: 5 Tips for Fresher Breath
While we wait for science to deliver us from halitosis, there are steps you can take to keep your breath minty fresh:
- Brush & floss like a boss: Aim for twice a day brushing and daily flossing to evict odor-causing bacteria.
- Scrape your tongue: Use a tongue scraper to banish bacteria and debris that brushing misses.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Dry mouth is a stinky mouth, so keep the saliva flowing by drinking plenty of water.
- Avoid the usual suspects: Onions, garlic, coffee, and alcohol can all amp up the odor, so consume wisely.
- Chew sugarless gum: It stimulates saliva production to help rinse away bacteria and food particles.
The Osaka University study is an exciting step forward in our understanding of bad breath. By shining a light on the bacterial shenanigans behind this condition, it opens the door to more effective treatments and preventive strategies.
Until then, stay vigilant with your oral hygiene routine – your breath (and your social life) will thank you.
Sources:
- Hara T, Sakanaka A, Lamont RJ, Amano A, Kuboniwa M. Interspecies metabolite transfer fuels the methionine metabolism of Fusobacterium nucleatum to stimulate volatile methyl mercaptan production. mSystems, 2024; DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00764-23
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
