11 – 17 December 2006 - This week sees the launch of the inaugural ‘National Dob in Bad Breath Week’ aimed at reducing the stigma associated with bad breath, whilst raising understanding of the causes and treatments for a condition which currently affects more than 30 per cent of Australians.

Presented by a host of leading dental and health experts, including the Australian Breath Clinic and Australian Dental Association, National Dob in Bad Breath Week is a nationwide initiative that will educate the public of the less obvious causes of bad breath. And with a whole host of activities planned, the week incorporates bad breath testing at selected dental practices throughout Australia alongside public bad breath Halimeter testing with Dr Bad Breath himself (AKA Dr Geoffrey Speiser).

Kicking off National Dob in Bad Breath Week the results of a nationwide research poll will also be released this week. Designed to uncover whether Australians are willing to tell someone they have bad breath, this research poll has uncovered some very revealing insights!

Almost 70 per cent of Australia’s would not be prepared to tell a family member or friend if they suffered from bad breath, least of all lovers, strangers or their boss!

63 per cent of people would not tell their boss that they had bad breath, even though they work with them every day

And, 10 per cent of Australians would not tell a family member if they had bad breath!

But on a more serious note, bad breath sufferers often experience social isolation because of the stigma attached to this common health complaint. According to Australian Bad Breath Expert, Dr Geoffrey Speiser, the topic of bad breath is still an area of discussion that most people find very hard to approach with their colleagues, friends, and even their loved ones.

National ‘Dob in Bad Breath’ Week offers the public the opportunity to learn more about the topic of bad breath. “We are aiming to break down these barriers so consultation, treatment and advice can be sought in a non-alienating fashion and as such, we’re expecting a lot of interest in our comprehensive breath consultations,” explained Dr Speiser.

Dr Grant Brecht, a leading psychologist with the Australian Psychological Society and strong supporter of the initiative, has worked with patients to understand the emotional trauma that bad breath sufferers often experience. “It’s easy to underestimate how much anguish sufferers go through when they experience bad breath, often suffering in silence for long periods of time. The social barriers to leading a normal life can be difficult to surmount and many long-term chronic sufferers of bad breath become reclusive and withdrawn within the home and the workplace.

”Meanwhile, Professor Laurie Walsh, chief spokesperson for the Australian Dental Association acknowledges that bad breath is largely a silent epidemic. “Many sufferers don’t realise that bad breath is simply a chemical imbalance in the mouth that once diagnosed can be treated effectively. A dentist is able to do a simple lifestyle analysis and breath reading, and set them back on the path towards oral good health.”

National ‘Dob in Bad Breath’ week will also be supported on the web at www.dobinbadbreath.com.au. This practical website will enable sufferers to share their experiences, whilst educating visitors with information on the signs, causes, and treatments available.