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. 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.
Confidence killer
Several recent studies confirm that bad breath can have deep psychological and social consequences. A 2023 study in Medicina on adolescents and young people found that bad breath lowers self-esteem, increases social anxiety and reduces quality of life.
“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.”
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 adviser. “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.
For expert oral care advice, Ivohealth has compiled a free guide to managing and beating bad breath, with practical, science-based strategies anyone can follow.
Bad breath is treatable, preventable and easier to fix than you think. With simple daily habits and expert guidance, there’s no reason not to enjoy fresh breath and the confidence that comes with it.
“An informed society is always a smarter one. Learning something new often leads to action, especially when it affects you or someone you know. Tools like the Bad Breath Check can help increase awareness and spread correct information,” recommends Dr Gule.
Because fresh breath isn’t just about hygiene; it’s about confidence, health and how you show up in the world.
Image credit: wayhomestudio/Freepik