Can the right dental care help bad breath? Updated: 5/16/2008 2:00:22 PM Print Article Email Article           It is certain that nobody wants to have bad breath, but experts seem to disagree about what can be done to prevent it. Patricia Lenton, a research fellow at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, told USA Today that breath-freshening products work "to varying levels". The publication cites research from Euromonitor, which states that Americans spent almost $6.7 billion on mouth-freshening products such as mouthwashes in 2007. Some of the newer rinses that advertise fresh breath use sodium chlorite - and these products claim it can freshen breath for up to six hours. However, an independent study found the actual time was actually four to 42 minutes. Mr Lenton said that the efficacy of all of these products is still under debate, explaining that "people will tell you they have data, but then you see it" and find the methodology is flawed. Still, dental experts reported that the most important factor that affects breath freshness is the underlying oral care habits of the individual. Dr Stephen Z Wolner told WebMD that brushing one's tongue can go a long way towards removing bacteria that causes bad breath. © 2008 Brafton Inc. Enter your ZIP code to compare the savings and benefits offered by the discount dental plans in your area. Take the first step toward a healthier smile and start saving today! > Find my dentist > Find a ZIP code             Additional Articles Study: Mouthwashes effective against com... Bonding: Cosmetic dentistry with ease Patients welcome dental care with a natu... New braces options 'revolutionize orthod... Dental health counts for first impressio... Expert says teeth whitening best done by... Research: Dental care linked to birth we... Celebrate dental hygiene month with a de... Braces help create a healthy, straight s... New oral cancer test provides dental hea... Museum celebrates dental care through th... Tobacco 'can affect dental health' Implants 'growing in popularity' among c... Dental hygiene students enjoy live pract... Hollywood stars promote dental care Orthodontist reports positive results fr... Sedation 'can help make dental care less... Celebrate dental hygiene in October Lasers offer alternative dental care opt... New sedative could improve dental care c...

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