Bacterial interactions could produce bad breath
Researchers have gotten closer to understanding how oral bacteria interact to produce bad breath.
The bacteria produce chemicals, one of which is the odor-causing methyl mercaptan, which is associated with halitosis and periodontitis. Researchers found the bacteria that produce methyl mercaptan are triggered to do so by the release of another chemical by other bacteria.
The research could lead to new prophylactic approaches to treating halitosis and periodontitis that selectively disrupt the bacterial network in the mouth.
Full story: mSystems
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