Are the bacteria that cause bath breath aerobes or anaerobes?

Question

Bad breath is caused by bacteria. Mouthwashes that contain chlorine dioxide are often used to kill these bacteria. When chlorine dioxide decomposes it releases oxygen. Based on this information, are the bacteria that cause bad breath aerobes or anaerobes.

 

I thought the answer was that they are anaerobes. Please explain the answer if I am wrong.

Answer 1

You are correct, Nicky. They are anaerobic. They cannot exist in the presence of oxygen. That's why the most effective mouthwashes contain oxygen, like Dr. Katz' Therabreath product. Most commercial mouthwashes like Listerine or Scope aren't nearly effective because they don't attack the root of the problem. They are a minty cover-up.