Faculty Staff Q&A

Mirdza Neiders, professor of oral diagnostic sciences, is director of the Breath Disorders Clinic, one of five special-care clinics in the School of Dental Medicine. A native of Latvia, she has been a member of the UB faculty since 1962.

What is "bad breath"? Is it all in the nose of the beholder?

"Bad breath" or halitosis is a condition in which an unpleasant odor is emitted from the oral cavity, is detected by other individuals, and in many cases the person with the bad breath is not aware of generating the foul odor.

What most often causes bad breath? What can people do about it?

There are many causes for bad breath, including systemic disease and diseases affecting the nasal cavity, lungs and stomach. However, the most common reason for bad breath is overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria in the oral cavity and their production of volatile sulfur compounds. The control of bad breath depends on reducing the number of anaerobic bacteria in the oral cavity.

Are Americans too concerned about their breath? Is there really that much bad breath around?

It is really hard to determine whether we are too concerned about bad breath and at what level breath is considered unpleasant. Judging by sales of mouthwashes and other products to "freshen" the mouth, it has been suggested that two-thirds of the population are concerned about bad breath. Professionals estimate that about 50 percent of the population over age 50 have bad breath in the morning.

Can toothpaste make a difference? How about mouthwash? Is one kind better than another, and what kind do you use?

It appears that the products that can be bought by the consumer are relatively similar in controlling bad breath. Toothbrushing reduces plaque (bacterial deposits on teeth) and thus bad breath. Mouthrinses mask bad odor, but some are being developed that have the ability to also reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth. I am not particularly devoted to a specific brand of mouth-care products.

How about dental floss? Tongue scrapers?

It has been shown that any mechanical means of reducing bacteria in the oral cavity reduces bad breath. Dental floss, properly used, and tongue scrapers are most effective in controlling bad breath.

What got you interested in studying breath and salivary disorders?

My department (Oral Diagnostic Sciences) developed the Special Care Clinics to assist the local dental practitioner with diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases, dental fears, salivary disorders, temporomandibular disorders, orofacial pain and bad breath. Management of bad breath was a natural outgrowth from my background in oral microbiology, periodontics and oral pathology.

Why do you say that we live in a smell-oriented society?

Enormous resources are committed by our society to get rid of "bad smells" in our environment, and from our bodies. Enormous resources also are committed to mask bad smells, such as perfumes and deodorizers. It appears to me that a lot less emphasis is placed on prevention of infections from each other.

Are there other cultures that are as smell-oriented as we are? How about cultures that pay little or no attention to odors?

In my experience, North and South Americans, Western Europeans and Japanese are more concerned about displeasing body odors, including bad breath, than are the people of the former Soviet Union. Of course, there are exceptions. There is a big market for promotion of soaps, toothpastes and other body-care products in these countries.

I understand that you're quite a gardener. How did you get into such a sweet-smelling hobby?

I guess it is my European background.

What are the most unusual flowers in your garden?

I really do not go for exotic flowers, but favor roses and hostas.

What is something people don't know about you and should?

I really am quite an open book. I feel everyone already knows as much as they want to know.

What question do you wish I had asked and how would you have answered it?

I wish you had asked me how I feel about managing patients concerned with bad breath. I feel it is one of the most rewarding services that I can provide to a patient, particularly the patient who has not been helped by other professionals.