Found: Bad-breath cures that really work

New studies reveal that popular dental-care products can cause a backlash that makes bad breath worse over time. Here, healthy breath fresheners that work today…and tomorrow

The season of cheek kissing, close talking and meeting under the mistletoe is here. But for 65 percent of us, all that mingling comes with a side of selfconsciousness. The culprit? Bad breath. In a study at the University of Basel in Switzerland, 83 percent of people said breath odor is a source of stress, making them feel insecure and even unwilling to interact with others. And while many of us aim to eliminate bad breath by amping up our already diligent oral-care routines, that can backfire, says Ethan Schuman, D.M.D., founder of Schuman Center Dental Aesthetics in St. Louis. “Most mainstream products that promise to freshen breath don’t defeat the bacteria that cause odor. At best, they only mask odor temporarily, and many contain ingredients that actually help bad bacteria flourish.” The good news: Experts have identified new options that improve oral health as they freshen breath.