Scientists have linked bad breath to stomach-threatening bacteria

The presence of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori in the mouth, which causes stomach ulcers and cancer, can cause bad breath. This is stated in a study published in the journal Science Daily.

According to Dr. Nao Suzuki from Fukuoka Dental College, scientists have for the first time discovered H. pylori bacteria in the oral cavity of patients who do not have symptoms of gastric diseases.

"Recently, scientists have discovered that H. pylori can live in the mouth. We wanted to determine if bacteria could cause bad breath, so we tested patients complaining of halitosis for the presence of H. pylori," the doctor said.

As part of the study, the researchers examined 326 Japanese people suffering from halitosis. It is specified that H. pylori was detected in 6.4% of them in the oral cavity. In the group of people with gum disease, the proportion of such cases reached 15.7%. Bacterial carriers also had elevated concentrations of volatile compounds in their breath and signs of periodontal inflammation.

According to the journal, unpleasant odors are most often caused by gum disease, plaque on the tongue, poor oral hygiene and poor denture condition. According to Suzuki, H. pylori can produce hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan and dimethyl sulfide, compounds with a pungent odor, the level of which is used to diagnose halitosis.

In addition, it turned out that H. pylori carriers often had blood in their saliva, and the bacterium Prevotella intermedia, one of the main causative agents of periodontal diseases, was also detected.

Suzuki clarified that the presence of H. pylori in the mouth is not a direct cause of odor, but may be associated with inflammatory gum diseases that lead to the development of halitosis. He also stressed the need for further research to study the role of the oral cavity in the transmission of this bacterium to the stomach.

Wisdom tooth: an innovative biodegradable membrane can help rebuild the jaw

What opportunities a new domestic development opens up for dentists

On July 16, Olga Albova, a leading dentist at the Dentistoff Clinic, told Izvestia that gum inflammation begins with plaque formation. In a mild form, the disease is called gingivitis, which is manifested by redness, swelling and bleeding. If you do not start treatment at this stage, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis, a more severe form.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.