Bad Breath: The Confidence Killer You Might Not Even Know You Have

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. With February marking National Fresh Breath Month, 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.

Bad Breath: A 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.”

What Dental Professionals Say

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​.

Is Fresh Breath A Luxury?

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 basic essentials are out of reach. “Some clients are not able to afford toothpaste, a toothbrush or mouthrinse,” noted one survey respondent.

Dr 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.

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.

Take Action This February – Fresh Breath, Real Confidence

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.

This February is National Fresh Breath Month – the perfect time to take control of your oral health. Start by taking the free Bad Breath Check to assess your breath and get personalised, expert advice privately. You could win one of 10 GUM Fresh Breath Confidence Kits (valued at R750 each) or a revolutionary EMS Guided Biofilm Therapy® professional oral hygiene treatment (worth up to R2,000).

“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.