AWARD WINNING HYGIENIST PERFORMS TONGUE MANICURE - SMILE MONTH MAY-JUNE 2006

The latest innovation introduced The Fresh Breath Centre in London's Devonshire Place is a tongue manicure which cleanses and grooms the mouth as part of the management of bad breath and marks the start of the oral rejuvenation process. The therapeutic treatment was pioneered in conjunction with Dr Phil Stemmer by the newly honoured Hygienist of the Year, Mhari Coxon, whose work was recognised at the Probe Dental Awards on Friday 7 April.

During Smile Month between May and June this year it is worth remembering that 95% of us suffer from bad breath at some time during our lives - but it can be treated! The problem is no laughing matter and the Fresh Breath Centre has treated patients who are on the verge of suicide, suffered broken relationships and stalled careers. The Centre was set up to clinically measure, diagnose and treat oral malodour by Dr Philip Stemmer BDS, and Oral Microbiologist Professor Mel Rosenberg PhD - an international authority and lecturer on breath odour. Since its inception ten years ago it has achieved an extremely high 95% success rate.

So what is a tongue manicure? The treatment for oral malodour is performed in the practice and is then be sustained at home. After professionally brushing the teeth ultrasonically, flossing and then polishing them until their surfaces are glassy-clean, the 'manicure continues with a gentle tongue cleaning during which it is combed with a non abrasive tongue cleaner. Finally the mouth is rinsed with an alcohol free mouthwash - leaving it refreshed and smelling sweet.

To see if you might be a suitable candidate for a tongue manicure we have posed three questions for you to ask yourself:

Have I got bad breath? (ways to test it)

You can test your own bad breath in private by licking the inside of your wrist with the back of your tongue, letting it dry for a couple of seconds and then smelling it!

If this smells bad, a more scientific confirmation may be needed. Dr Stemmer measures people's breath in his practice using a halimeter - a portable sulphide monitor which calculates the level of volatile gasses produced by the bacteria in the mouth. He also takes a scraping of plaque bacteria from the teeth and shows patients the presence of a multitude of organisms under a microscope. Thirdly patients are asked to rinse their mouths with Dentyl pH which was pioneered in the UK by Dr Stemmer which shows the amount of bacteria in the mouth as it stains and colours it.

What are the origins of my bad breath?

It is important to eliminate the causes of bad breath due to a non-oral origin (a very small percentage) which includes infected tonsils, syphilis, various cancers, liver or kidney failure. However according to Professor Mel Rosenberg, 90% of bad breath cases are due to bacterial purification originating in the oral cavity. The major causes of bad breath include poor general oral hygiene, periodontal diseases, food impaction, improper or faulty restorations, unclean dentures, and excessive bacterial growth on the tongue. The bad smell could also be due to a simple throat infection, sinus problems, low fluid intake or lack of salivary flow. Oral malodour can also be associated with psychological problems and in many cases, people with real or imaginary bad breath, withdraw from society and occasionally, even contemplate suicide. Many people mistakenly visit the GP about their bad breath, but once it has been established that the condition has an oral origin, patients should immediately be referred to a specialist in oral malodour rather than just the local dentist who may not have the time or specialist expertise to treat this condition.

How do I tackle bad breath?

Chewing gum, mints and sprays just mask the problem of bad breath and a good oral hygiene routine is essential if you are to maintain a healthy mouth and gums. Firstly it is important to tackle the root cause of the bad breath - which in nine cases out of ten is due to gum disease and poor oral hygiene.

To achieve better oral health it is vital that you clean the teeth twice a day, before breakfast and last thing at night using a power toothbrush as studies show that these are many times more effective than a manual. It is also important to floss each day.

In addition, you are advised to drink plenty of water throughout the day to ensure you keep your mouth clean and hydrated. Twice yearly visits to the dentist and hygienist are also recommended to ensure your oral health is monitored and any recurring problems are treated early.

Telephone 020 7935 1666 for more information or visit www.freshbreath.co.uk where you can find out more about the implements you need to help you perform a tongue manicure at home.