Aside from February being known as the Month of Love, it is also National Fresh Breath Month.
Bad breath isn’t just embarrassing - it can quietly undermine confidence, relationships and even career success. Yet, a new survey of South African dental professionals reveals that most people don’t know what causes it - or how to fix it.
The Fresh Breath Insights 2025 Survey confirms that poor oral hygiene (92%) is the number one cause of bad breath.
Meanwhile, mental health and dental experts are calling for more education, better access to care, and practical solutions.
In support of this, Ivohealth and global oral care brand Sunstar GUM have launched a free online Bad Breath Check, where people can privately assess their breath score and get expert advice on how to achieve fresh, healthy smiles.
“A confident smile is linked to success and good hygiene,” says Mohammed Uzair Bhamjee, counselling psychologist at Soulful Psychology in Johannesburg.
“When people feel self-conscious about their breath, they start avoiding face-to-face interactions, which can lead to anxiety, withdrawal, and low self-esteem.”
The professional consequences are just as serious. “Bad breath can make people insecure about how they present themselves in work environments,” explains Dr Matshidiso Gule, medical director at PhilaQ Health Solutions. “It can stop them from speaking up in meetings, networking, or advancing in their careers.”
“Good oral health is essential for confidence and self-expression,” she adds. “Bad breath can take a serious toll on mental health.”
Respondents to the Fresh Breath Insights 2025 Survey were unanimous that more education on the causes and treatment of bad breath would benefit people.
Other key findings included:
44% of dental professionals believe bad breath is a regular patient issue.
92% cite poor oral hygiene as a leading cause, followed by gum disease (87%) and smoking (74%).
54% of dental professionals hesitate to bring up bad breath for fear of offending patients.
Some patients struggle to afford even basic oral health products.
In South Africa, 80% of the population depends on public dental health services, yet only 20% of dentists work in the public sector. This leaves many without access to preventative dental care. For some people, even essentials are out of reach.
"Some clients are not able to afford toothpaste, a toothbrush or mouth rinse," noted one survey respondent.
Gule emphasises that a lack of access can fuel a cycle of shame and frustration. "Many people don’t understand why they struggle with bad breath because they don’t have access to professional guidance.
"They face repeated embarrassment without accurate information, often suffering in silence when help is available.”
Practical solutions to beat bad breath
Bad breath isn’t something you have to live with. Many of the most effective solutions are simple and affordable.
Rather than sucking mints or reaching for mouthwash, dental professionals recommend practical improvements to your daily oral hygiene routine:
✔️ Cleaning the tongue daily (recommended by 88% of dental professionals)
✔️ Using floss or interdental tools every day (88%)
✔️ Regular professional cleanings (84%)
✔️ Brushing correctly twice a day (79%)
"The good news is that most cases of bad breath can be solved at home," says Dirna Grobbelaar, Ivohealth’s oral hygiene advisor. "Brushing correctly, cleaning your tongue and cleaning in-between daily with floss or another interdental can make an immediate difference."
Beyond fresh breath, good oral hygiene is essential for overall health. Research has linked poor oral care to diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory infections, highlighting the importance of simple, consistent oral care.
WIN! WIN! WIN!
IOL Lifestyle and GUM Fresh Breath have three confidence kit hampers up for grabs.
The kit, valued at R750, includes:
- GUM PRO Manual Toothbrush -With an ergonomic handle and bi-level tapered bristles, it’s proven to clean seven times deeper below the gum line and 68% more between the teeth than flat-trim toothbrushes.
- GUM Paroex Daily Toothpaste – With chlorhexidine and CPC for superior plaque control.
- GUM Soft-Picks PRO - 152 ultra-soft rubber bristles remove 50% more plaque between the teeth. The handle is curved for comfort and precision.
- GUM Expanding Floss - This ultra-thin floss expands during use for superior cleaning. It’s ideal for tight spaces and sensitive gums.
- GUM Dual Action Tongue Cleaner – Dual-sided design with bristles and a scraper to remove odour-causing bacteria effectively.
- GUM Paroex Daily Mouthrinse – Alcohol-free with chlorhexidine and CPC for clinically proven plaque control and long-lasting freshness.
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IOL Lifestyle