Company news: Kiss bad breath good-bye - National Dentyl pH Fresh Breath Week

Italians chew parsley, Iraqis stick a clove between their teeth, Indians use fennel seeds and most people believe in the fresh breath restoring powers of mint. But according to the world's leading oral malodour expert Dr Mel Rosenberg, the most important thing you can do to keep your breath fresh is practice good oral hygiene.

Dr Rosenberg, a Professor of Microbiology at Tel Aviv University, has worked on the diagnosis and treatment of bad breath for over twenty years. He is visiting South Africa for National Dentyl pH Fresh Breath Week (3 to 10 February) to help bring this embarrassing problem ‘out of the closet' and share his expertise with local dental professionals.

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a universal condition that can have a devastating effect on our personal and professional lives. Dr Rosenberg's research has found that as many as 30% of people have a chronic problem, and that one in five worry about having bad breath. “These are two largely distinct populations, because it is so difficult for someone to know whether or not they suffer from it,” says Rosenberg.

Rosenberg says that it is a myth that bad breath often comes from the digestive system. “In the majority of cases (85 to 90%) the problem originates in the mouth and is generally caused by bacteria breaking down postnasal drip, food debris and cell tissue.”

“Practising healthy oral hygiene habits is extremely important,” says Rosenberg. In addition to brushing the teeth twice daily he recommends flossing, cleaning the tongue and rinsing with an alcohol-free mouthwash.

“Post-nasal drip and food debris can accumulate at the back of the mouth and on the tongue, so this area should be gently cleaned with a tongue scraper. Flossing removes bacteria from between the teeth - where a brush can't reach, and gargling (ideally with an alcohol-free mouthwash like Dentyl pH) before bedtime should both be part of one's daily oral hygiene routine.

Drinking insufficient fluids is another factor to consider. “Because the bacteria that cause bad breath thrive in a dry mouth it is important to maintain a good water balance, especially in hot weather. This helps to produce enough saliva. Dry mouth – which is exacerbated by mouth breathing, stress, alcohol and many medications – is a big risk factor for malodorous breath.”

According to Dr Rosenberg the best way to test for bad breath is to ask an adult family member or close friend. Or ask your dentist or oral hygienist for advice.

If you aren't ready to go ‘public' you can log onto www.freshbreath.co.za and do a confidential Kiss-O-Meter assessment.

If you have tried everything and are still concerned, Dr Rosenberg is happy to try and help you. Simply email him .

For more advice and information on bad breath visit www.freshbreath.co.za, call the Dentyl pH Fresh Breath helpline on 0860 456 123 or speak to your dentist or oral hygienist.

Issued on behalf of Ivodent by Paula Wilson Media Consulting.