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Why bad breath can spell disaster in the bedroom – National Fresh Breath Week: 4 to 11 February

If romance is on your mind this February you may be better off investing in your oral health than flowers or chocolates. Not only is bad breath the ultimate turn off, a recently published study* in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found a strong association between gum disease and erectile dysfunction (ED), with more than half the men aged between 30 and 40 years who were suffering from ED also having chronic periodontitis. According to dental experts both bad breath and periodontitis are most commonly caused by inadequate oral care.

 

“This study comes as no surprise,” says periodontologist Robin Seymour, Emeritus Professor at the Dental School at the University of Newcastle. “ED is a vascular issue and there is a clear relationship between periodontal disease and changes in vascular integrity.”

In a South African survey*, three in five people said that bad breath was the most unappealing thing a date or partner could have, far worse than dirty nails, stained teeth or bad skin.Many people believe halitosis is related to digestion however according to Professor Mel Rosenberg, a global authority on oral malodour, “Approximately 85 to 90% of bad breath originates in the mouth and is usually a result of poor oral hygiene.”Fortunately, improving your oral routine may be simpler than sweeping your partner off their feet. IVOhealth’s oral hygiene advisor Dirna Grobbelaar explains an easy three step habit for a happier mouth. “The first step is better brushing,” she says. “Teeth should be brushed twice a day for at least two minutes.” Because many people ‘skip’ on the two minute brushing time she recommends using a Philips Sonicarerechargeable brush which has a built-in timer and is clinically proven to remove more plaque than a manual brush.Step two is cleaning between the teeth and under the gum line, something many people neglect; about two-thirds of South Africans admit they

 

don’t floss regularly, stating that they find it awkward or don’t have time. Grobbelaar says that with the variety of interdental tools available these days – from GUM Soft-Picks to floss handles and the Philips Sonicare AirFloss – everyone should be able to find something that suits them. If in doubt ask your oral hygienist what method would work best for you. And should you not be confident you are flossing correctly check out this video on how to floss www.youtube.com/IVOhealth.

The third area needing attention is the back of the tongue which, according to Professor Rosenberg, is a frequently overlooked source of bad breath. “In about seven out of ten cases halitosis is caused by bacteria breaking down postnasal drip, food debris and cells accumulated on the tongue, where conditions are ideal for the bacteria to thrive,” he says. Grobbelaar suggests using a plastic tongue scraper to gently sweep the mucus and debris away. “A final swish with an alcohol-free mouthwash such as Dentyl Active will help cleanse the whole mouth, including the tongue,” she adds.

Grobbelaar also recommends having a professional cleaning by an oral hygienist every six months and a dental check-up at least once a year.

“Prevention is always better than cure.”

When you are confident your breath is fresh you may be lucky enough to enjoy another tooth-friendly activity; kissing stimulates saliva flow which in turn cleanses the mouth. So enjoy some serious smooching this Valentine’s Day – it can actually be good for your oral health!

For oral care advice www.gettingfresh101.co.za or join IVOhealth on Facebook www.facebook.com/IVOhealth.

Enter and Win
Share your tips for getting fresh or a photo of your favourite smile this February and you could win a Philips Sonicare ‘the Ferrari of electric toothbrushes’ or an iPad 4. Visit www.gettingfresh101.co.za for more info.


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