Halitosis (a.k.a. Bad Breath) can strike anyone at anytime -- it has even been known to end a few good relationships. One major cause? Bad oral hygiene. The Academy of General Dentistry touts brushing and flossing as the best method for controlling bacteria that live and multiply between teeth and gums -- forming plaque and causing bad breath.
To help combat malodorous breath and clean away plaque in one easy step, Johnson & Johnson REACH® is proud to introduce REACH® CLEAN BURST™ Floss. New! Johnson & Johnson REACH® CLEAN BURST™ Floss combines intense, high-impact flavor with superior cleaning to deliver a clean so powerful you can feel it!™ Available in three great-tasting flavors – ICY PEPPERMINT™, ICY SPEARMINT™ and BERRY MINT™ -- Johnson & Johnson REACH® CLEAN BURST™ Floss leaves behind a fresh, clean feeling with each use.
Featuring a unique, shred-resistant, multi-filament fiber for superior elimination of plaque between teeth, Johnson & Johnson REACH® CLEAN BURST™ Floss has been proven in clinical studies to clean 61 percent more plaque than the next leading brand.
According to renowned breath expert Dr. Harold Katz, celebrity dentist and founder of California Breath Clinics in Los Angeles, if people took better care of their mouths, their breath would improve greatly. “The bacteria that live throughout the oral cavity feast on food particles left between our teeth creating the Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSC) of bad breath, and the only way to clean effectively between teeth is with floss,” says Katz. “By flossing teeth daily, it increases the chance of keeping teeth for a lifetime and it is a critical, but often overlooked, step in eliminating bad breath and preventing gingivitis and periodontal disease.”
Katz is not alone in his recommendations. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing twice a day and flossing at least once daily to help prevent gum disease and to reduce the number of bacteria that inhabit our mouths. “Brushing without flossing is like washing only a part of your body when you bathe!” adds Katz.
Normally, millions of microscopic bacteria feed on food particles left on and between our teeth. Daily brushing and flossing will remove food debris and keep the formation of plaque to a minimum. If not removed every 26 hours, plaque will harden. Over time, bacteria in plaque produce toxins that inflame and irritate the gums. This condition, known as gingivitis, may eventually progress to periodontal disease, which can result in bone loss, loose teeth and teeth that fall out.
In addition, flossing has emerged as a major weapon against interdental cavities, and researchers also say that flossing may have an added benefit for your whole body, noting that healthy gums may be tied to lower risk for heart attack, stroke, premature birth, diabetes complications and infections after joint replacement surgery. Despite this fact, a recent study sponsored by REACH® Brand, makers of REACH® Floss, shows that only 24 percent of all U.S. households use floss, and of these, only 2.5 percent floss regularly.
In addition to brushing your teeth and flossing daily with Johnson & Johnson REACH® CLEAN BURST™ Floss, to keep breath fresh, Katz recommends that you drink plenty of water to keep your mouth hydrated (saliva cleanses the mouth and removes particles that may deteriorate and cause odor); avoid sweet, sugary mints and gum as these will actually temporarily mask the problem (bacteria feeds off of sugars); avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol which dries the mouth and contributes to bad breath, and schedule bi-annual dental check-ups and cleanings.
“Fresh breath boosts confidence,” says Katz, “and with proper maintenance we can all have healthy mouths and minty, fresh breath and taste!” Now that’s something to smile about.
Johnson & Johnson REACH® CLEAN BURST™ Floss will be available at mass drug and food retailers nationwide beginning in September 2003, and will retail for approximately $1.50 for 55 yards.
* For a free sample of Johnson & Johnson REACH® CLEAN BURST™ Floss, log onto www.match.com from October 1 – November 30, 2003.