Bliss - What Causes Bad Breath?
There are a number of possible causes for bad breath (also termed oral malodour or halitosis), however, around 90% of cases are the result of protein breakdown by undesirable bacteria that live on the back of the tongue. A by-product of this protein breakdown are foul smelling gases, mainly volatile sulphur gases.
Recent research has shown the people with healthy breath typically have high levels of the beneficial bacterium Streptococcus Salivarius living on their tongue. People with bad breath often have low levels of Streptococcus Salivarius, and their tongue is instead inhabited by problem-causing bacteria responsible for bad breath.
How can bad breath be prevented?
Most of the products that are currently available rely on antibacterial activity to reduce the overall amount of oral bacteria present, or on ingredients to neutralise or mask the unpleasant odour. However, for sufferers of bad breath these products tend to only address the symptoms in the short-term, as the malodour causing bacteria recover to high levels when treatment is not present.
A new approach to achieving healthy breath is to rebalance oral microflora by:

1. Reducing the number of undesirable bacteria with an antibacterial mouthwash.
2. Replacing undesirable bacteria with BLIS Streptococcus Salivarius K12 (BLIS K12 THROAT GUARD) to help prevent re-growth of the malodour causing bacteria.
BLIS Technologies currently markets BLIS K12 THROAT GUARD which contains Streptococcus Salivarius K12. Following the findings of this research into the role of Streptococcus Salivarius in promoting healthy breath, the company has carried our in-house trials on chronic bad breath sufferers with the majority of subjects achieving significant improvement in breath scores even first thing in the morning.
How should BLIS K12 THROAT GUARD be used to help prevent bad breath?
BLIS K12 THROAT GUARD is best used to help prevent bad breath as part of a regular oral care regime. A high dose colonisation regime, over a short time period followed by K12 Throat Guard pack will cover the first three days high dose colonisation regime, following which you could also take one lozenge a day in the morning following brushing your teeth. A further pack of BLIS K12 THROAT GUARD needs to be obtained for this ongoing maintenance dose. BLIS K 12 THROAT GUARD is available from your local pharmacy and selected dentists.
Other uses for BLIS
At Duxton Dental we have found BLIS to be very effective at preventing common colds and sore throats.
Usage instructions:
Before using BLIS K12 THROAT GUARD on day one, thoroughly clean teeth and gums and gently clean your tongue with an antibacterial toothpaste and toothbrush. Rinse the mouth well with water. Once this is completed follow the instructions on the pack (days 1-3).
Thereafter, also take one lozenge a day in the morning following brushing your teeth and rinsing the mouth with water (you will need to purchase a further pack of product for this once daily use).
Dependent on the extent of the bad breath problem the 3 day BLIS K12 THROAT GUARD high dose regime including using the mouthwash should be repeated either monthly or in more severe cases fortnightly.
Other sensible precautions to help maintain good oral hygiene are:
- Brush teeth and gums regularly for at least 3-4 minutes
- Use a soft brush and replace it when it starts to get worn
- Floss every day
- Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day
Who can use BLIS K12 THROAT GUARD?
Adults and children over the age of 3 years, Pregnant and Lactating (Breast feeding) women
Precautions
- People with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance should not use this product as the lozenges contain skim milk powder.
- People who are immune compromised should seek the advice of their doctor before taking this product.
When a person should seek the advice of their Dentist or other Health Professional.
- If symptoms of severe bad breath continue following a course of BLIS K12 THROAT GUARD
- If you have symptoms in addition to bad breath which are a dental problem, such as bleeding gums, pain, fever, cough, phlegm, hoarse voice or any change in appearance of the mouth, gums, tongue and throat.
One of Duxton's dentists or hygienists will be able to advise you if Bliss or Therabreath will be most effective product to reslolve your individual problem.