A quick breath check in the palm of your hand can never give accurate results. Whether you’re about to lean in for a smooch or start a job interview, you’re better off asking a trusted friend if your breath is sweet. But what if a friend isn’t around when you need one?
Tel Aviv University researchers have come up with the ultimate solution – a pocket-size breath test which lets you know if malodorous bacteria are brewing in your mouth. A blue result suggests you need a toothbrush. But if it’s clear, you’re “okay to kiss.”
Until now, scientists believed that only one population of bacteria (the Gram-negative ones) break down the proteins in the mouth and produce foul odor. But Prof. Mel Rosenberg and Dr. Nir Sterer of TAU’s Sackler Faculty of Medicine recently discovered that the other population of bacteria (the Gram-positive ones) are bad breath’s bacterial partner. These bacteria appear to help the Gram-negative ones by producing enzymes that chop sugary bits off the proteins that make them more easily degraded. This enzymatic activity, present in saliva, serves as the basis for the new “OkayToKiss” test.
Prof. Rosenberg, international authority on the diagnosis and treatment of bad breath, who co-developed the kit with Dr. Sterer, published their findings this past March in the Journal of Breath Research, of which Prof. Rosenberg is editor-in-chief. An earlier invention of Prof. Rosenberg led to the development of two-phase mouthwashes that have become a hit in the UK, Israel and elsewhere.
From the Lab to Your Pocket
The patent-pending invention is the result of ongoing research in Prof. Rosenberg’s laboratory.
“All a user has to do is dab a little bit of saliva onto a small window of the OkayToKiss kit,” explains Prof. Rosenberg: “OkayToKiss will turn blue if a person has enzymes in the mouth produced by the Gram-positive bacteria. The presence of these enzymes means that the mouth is busily producing bacteria that foster nasty breath,” he explains.
Apart from its social uses, the test can be used as an indicator of a person’s oral hygiene, encouraging better health habits, such as flossing, brushing the teeth, or scheduling that long-delayed visit to the dentist.
OkayToKiss could be ready in about a year for commercial distribution, probably in the size of a pack of chewing gum, to fit in a pocket or purse. It is disposable and could be distributed alongside breath-controlling products.
For more information regarding the science behind bad breath please click here on www.medicalnewstoday.com
The AAFPRS, Teri Jon, and The Midtown Dental Group have come together in support of Face To Face, the national domestic violence project. These three groups have joined together to fight against prejudice and violence in the world through a program named Face to Face which offers free consultations and reconstructive surgeries to battered and abused women all over the United States and abroad. New York, NY (PRWEB) July 29, 2008
Educational and Research Foundation for the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) and Rickie Freeman, owner and designer of Teri Jon, have come together in support of Face To Face, the national domestic violence project. These two groups have joined together to fight against prejudice and violence in the world. Rickie Freeman, along with her friends and colleagues at Teri Jon are proud to support Face to Face, a project founded by the AAFPRS. Face to Face is a program which offers free consultations and reconstructive surgeries to battered and abused women all over the United States and abroad. Face to Face also sends respected surgeons to volunteer in developing countries. These surgeons travel all over the globe to help treat facial deformities in young children which are caused either by complications at birth or by early trauma. An event in support of these practices was held at the showroom at the Teri Jon headquarters in New York City and was attended by surgeons who take part in this program and their families, along with media representatives and select others. The event took place on July 15, 2008 and included a fashion show, luncheon, and a sale to benefit the cause. Another institution which came out in support of this worthy cause was The Midtown Dental Group, a New York City Dental Practice located on 37th street between 7th and 8th avenues. Dr. Daniell Mishaan, founder and owner of the practice, not only attended the function to show his support but donated his time and talent to the cause as well. Following in the generous footsteps of the AAFPRS, Dr. Mishaan has offered free full dental consultations to battered and abused women.
I have found that there is nothing more meaningful than being able to use your talents to help out those who are most in need
The Midtown Dental Group provides a full range of dental services with a focus on the convenience of the patient. Having assembled a team of professionals to provide expert dentistry, plastic surgery and orthodontics in one unbeatable location, The Midtown Dental Group is one of the best NYC Dental Offices. With the addition of free services for battered women, Dr. Mishaan and his top New York City Dental Surgeons are also considered to be among the most active humanitarian dentists in New York. “I have found that there is nothing more meaningful than being able to use your talents to help out those who are most in need”, said Dr. Mishaan. By restoring self image and personal strength, this partnership of hope and kindness has helped restore the shattered lives of these women. Through the help of so many compassionate people and institutions, the passionate fight against domestic violence has never been stronger. The Dental Aesthetics and Facial Group is one of the finest dental practices in Midtown Manhattan of New York City. Their office is located at 241 West 37th Street, between 7th and 8th Avenues. They can be reached at (212) 730-4440 or at their website https://www.midtowndentalgroup.com
From November 3 – 7, Dr. Daniell Mishaan & ZocDoc held the largest ZocDoc Halloween Candy Buyback in the history of New York City! We invited children all across New York to hand in their candy at participating nyc dental offices, and get $1 per pound in return. Trick-or-treating is fun, but cavities certainly aren’t. It was really fun and great for dental health, which is the biggest treat of all. Thanks Zocdoc !
The candy buyback was featured on NY1 News, and I hope you take a minute to watch it…
The AAFPRS, Teri Jon, and The Midtown Dental Group have come together in support of Face To Face, the national domestic violence project. These three groups have joined together to fight against prejudice and violence in the world through a program named Face to Face which offers free consultations and reconstructive surgeries to battered and abused women all over the United States and abroad. New York, NY (