{"id":1511,"date":"2026-01-13T10:21:23","date_gmt":"2026-01-12T21:21:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blis.co.nz\/?p=1511"},"modified":"2026-01-27T16:06:17","modified_gmt":"2026-01-27T03:06:17","slug":"how-blis-m18-helps-prevent-halitosis-in-people-with-braces","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blis.co.nz\/press\/how-blis-m18-helps-prevent-halitosis-in-people-with-braces\/","title":{"rendered":"How BLIS M18\u2122 Helps Prevent Halitosis in People with Braces"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019ve ever had braces (or cared for someone who has), you know that maintaining fresh breath can become a real challenge. Orthodontic appliances are essential for correcting misaligned teeth, but they also create the perfect environment for halitosis (bad breath)<\/strong> to thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what\u2019s causing it – and what can be done beyond extra brushing and rinsing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The human jaw has been shrinking through evolution. As we transitioned from hunter-gatherers to modern diets and lifestyles, our jaw size reduced, but our teeth count didn\u2019t. This mismatch contributes to overcrowded, misaligned teeth, making orthodontics increasingly common.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, over 50% of people require orthodontic treatment<\/strong>, according to clinical studies. Braces help correct misalignment, but they also introduce new hygiene challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why Braces Increase the Risk of Halitosis<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Braces create additional surfaces and spaces where food debris and plaque can accumulate. These trapped particles are difficult to remove, even with diligent brushing and flossing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This build-up encourages the growth of anaerobic bacteria, which produce volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) such as hydrogen sulphide and methyl mercaptan – the primary culprits behind that unpleasant “bad breath” smell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What Are Volatile Sulphur Compounds (VSCs)?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

VSCs are gases released by specific bacteria as they break down proteins in the mouth. The presence of orthodontic devices can amplify this process, especially in the absence of thorough oral care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But what if there were a way to balance the oral microbiome to naturally reduce these bacteria?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"How<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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BLIS M18\u2122<\/strong>, a targeted strain of Streptococcus salivarius<\/em>, is a precision probiotic developed to support oral health by modulating the bacteria responsible for bad breath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recent studies have shown that when BLIS M18\u2122 is co-cultured with VSC-producing bacteria, it significantly reduces the levels of hydrogen sulphide and methyl mercaptan. This makes it a promising adjunct to traditional oral hygiene<\/strong>, especially for people wearing braces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Clinical Evidence that BLIS M18\u2122 Works<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In a randomised, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial,<\/strong> researchers tested the effect of BLIS M18\u2122 in a group of 64 patients aged 10\u201330 with orthodontic braces. Participants took either BLIS M18\u2122 lozenges or a placebo daily for one month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key findings:<\/p>\n\n\n\n