Oral malodour and active ingredients for treatment.

Oral care preparations are widely used for the treatment of oral malodour as over-the-counter products. Bad breath is highly distressing to an individual's confidence during social interaction, which is a large concern nowadays as the consumption of these products is increasing worldwide. However, oral deodorant ingredients are rarely studied compared with other cosmetic ingredients, and the only preparations which are well known are those contained in dentifrices and mouthrinses. This review briefly summarizes the compounds which cause oral malodour and the treatments available. The active ingredients in various preparations are emphasized and novel products are presented.