Detecting Bad Breath

An expert on bad breath visited the Rochester area to demonstrate his invention that tests bad breath.

Dr. Harold Katz has developed the "Hal-o-Meter", which measures the sulphur compounds in a person's mouth; high sulphur levels means a person has bad breath.

"A reading of over 75 parts per billion means that someone close to you can start to detect an odor," Dr. Katz says.

Dr. Katz also says you can do a similar test on your own. "You lick the back of your hand, let it dry for a few seconds, and then smell that. If you have bad breath, the sulphur compounds from your tongue will be distributed on the back of your hand. When the saliva dries, you can tell what your breath smells like."

If you notice a problem, regular visits to the dentist, brushing your teeth frequently, and using products to keep your breath fresh may help. Finding out if you have a medical problem might help too.

So what's the best way to tell a friend or colleague that they have bad breath? Dr. Katz's surveys found you don't want to do something like leave a bottle of mouthwash on the person's desk.

Instead, visit Dr. Katz's Web site, where you can request that an anonymous letter be sent to a friend with bad breath.

Dr. Katz explains, "We will send them a very nicely worded e-mail or letter telling them that someone very close to them has concerns about your oral health."

For more information, head to the Fresh Breath Web site or call 1-800-97-FRESH.