The Fresh Breath Insights 2025 survey, conducted by Ivodent in partnership with GUM, gathered insights from 170 South African dental professionals - including general dentists, specialists, oral hygienists, dental assistants and technicians. It highlights a pressing need for more patient education and increased awareness.

We sincerely thank everyone who contributed their expertise to help clarify the oral health landscape in South Africa.

How Common is Bad Breath?

We all know bad breath is a widespread issue. The survey found that:

• 93% of patients mention concerns about bad breath frequently or sometimes.
• 44% of dental professionals believe patients experience bad breath regularly.

Why Don’t People Talk About It?

Despite the high prevalence of bad breath, it remains a sensitive subject. While 82% of dental professionals said they feel comfortable discussing halitosis, there are still barriers. According to the survey:

• 54% cite fear of offending the patient.
• 47% say patient embarrassment prevents open discussions.
• 24% mention limited time during consultations as a challenge.

Leading Causes of Bad Breath

The survey confirms that poor oral hygiene is the primary cause of bad breath in South Africa. 

Do you agree with these leading factors?

• Poor oral hygiene – 92%
• Gum disease – 87%
• Smoking/tobacco use – 74%
• Diet/food choices – 51%
• Medical conditions (e.g., sinus infections, acid reflux) – 51%
• Dry mouth (xerostomia) – 50%

Additional factors mentioned included fasting, mouth breathing, and alcohol-based mouthwashes. 

Poverty is another issue, with some patients unable to afford basic oral care products. “Clients are often unable to afford something as basic as toothpaste, toothbrushes, or mouth rinse,” said one respondent, reinforcing the need for affordable, accessible solutions and more education on cost-effective oral hygiene.

Dental Professional-Approved Solutions for Fresh Breath

As dental professionals, you know that the most effective solutions for bad breath are rooted in daily oral hygiene. The top solutions, according to the survey, include:

• Clean the tongue daily – 88% recommended this as the most valuable solution. 
• Floss or use an interdental cleaner – 88% agreed that cleaning between the teeth is a key way to prevent bad breath.
• Regular professional cleanings – 84% felt persistent bad breath warrants professional cleanings.

Additional solutions include addressing dry mouth (xerostomia) and advising patients to avoid smoking and alcohol-based mouthwashes, both of which exacerbate the issue.

Fresh Breath Month: Educate Your Patients

With Fresh Breath Month in February, now is the perfect time to educate your patients on the causes of bad breath and its solutions. As dental professionals, you are ideally positioned to guide your patients in making simple, lasting changes to improve their oral health.

Encourage them to take the online Bad Breath Check to assess their breath.

By promoting effective at-home oral hygiene, we can empower patients to take control of their oral health for fresh, beautiful smiles.

Key Takeaways

Bad breath doesn’t have to be embarrassing or neglected. By addressing the root causes and giving expert advice, you can help your patients achieve fresh breath. 

We’d love to help! Chat with your Ivodent rep about GUM’s trusted oral care solutions. 

Survey notes:

Ivodent conducted the Fresh Breath Insights 2025 Survey with GUM, the global oral care brand. The survey was distributed online via email and social media, including through the South African Dental Association’s (SADA) platforms. With 170 respondents from across the dental industry, this survey provides essential insights into the state of bad breath management in South Africa.

Thank you once again to all the dental professionals who participated. Your input is invaluable. Let’s continue to work together to improve patient care and provide the educational information and solutions patients need.