The Truth Stinks
By Kierra Simpkins, LMT
They say the truth hurts, but it can also stink! I’d like to share some interesting finds on a topic that everyone experiences, but rarely want to discuss at dinner (or any time, for that matter): what’s really happening inside your mouth?
Plaque, bad breath, and bacteria aren’t exactly hot topics, but your oral health is vital to both your overall well-being (and the comfort of those in close proximity to you, haha). Brushing and flossing unfortunately aren’t enough to remove all the oral gunk because there are deep inaccessible pockets in the mouth that can capture saliva, post nasal drip, etc. Sorry to be the one to break it to you, but it is impossible to have perfect oral hygiene despite following even the best dental guidelines. Luckily, we have plant allies on our side to help our goal of a fresh, clean, and balanced mouth without harming the delicate biome.
At least a quarter of people suffer from bad breath, also known as halitosis. We all know that bad breath can be caused by certain bacteria left behind in the mouth. But did you know the main cause of the foul mouth odor itself is the Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSCs) that are created from their waste?
Many conditions, medications, and consumables can also cause this imbalance or overproduction of VSCs. These gases collect in the mouth and move with the air your exhale causing halitosis. These VSCs include:
Hydrogen Sulfide: behind that rotten egg smell.
Methyl Mercaptan: causes the rotting cabbage or feces smell.
Dimethyl Sulfide: a sweet, rotting vegetable smell.
Staying hydrated, cleaning regularly, and avoiding certain types of foods isn't always enough to stave off the bad odor. To make things more complex, harsh mouth rinses and too frequent brushing can often disrupt the microbiome. These well-intentioned measures can also cause the issue to get worse due to the resulting imbalance among the mouth’s natural bacteria.
There are tried and true natural remedies to rescue us from bad breath without adding more stress to our sensitive bodily systems.
Clove: My personal favorite to use! It contains a compound known as eugenol which is responsible for its powerful antimicrobial properties. I highly recommend it if you tend to like a minty sensation. It is soothing to the gums while reducing the plague causing bacteria. You can use an easy to find carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil to dilute at a 1:3 ratio, or 1:10 if you prefer a gentler effect. When used orally, clove essential oil is highly toxic if swallowed and can cause chemical burns if not diluted properly.
Tea Tree: Studies have shown that it targets and effectively kills Porphyromonas gingivalis and Porphyromonas endodontalis, two major oral bacteria that generate an unpleasant odor. I personally find it feels more caustic than Clove and tends to linger. It is completely safe to use a few times a week generously diluted in water or an oil, and if not ingested.
Birch Chewing Sticks: These can be used as a natural brush to physically remove food debris and plague. Certain birch species release a wintergreen flavor that naturally freshens the breath due to the compound methyl salicylate that are contained in their bark and twigs. Birch is also a source of many xylitol products. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that has been shown to reduce harmful oral bacteria. When ingested by the microbes, it cannot be broken down and used. This results in an inability to take up the glucose needed for energy, so they die.
Would love to hear if you have heard about or tried any of these before. And which one you are eager to experiment with! As always, take caution when introducing new products and do your due diligence to make sure you use them safely. Share with a friend who may find it helpful.
Referenced studies and articles:
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