This Summer, Risk of Bad Breath Increases Especially on 'Extreme Heat Days'? Experts Explain 'Summer Dry Mouth Measures' and 'Correct Brushing Techniques'

HaRENO, an oral care brand operated by AbemaTV Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Susumu Fujita), invited Dr. Mika Maejima, a practicing dentist and director of Ajute Maejima Dental Clinic, and Mr. Hidetoshi Nishio, President of Nishio Co., Ltd. and developer of the 'Miracle Toothbrush,' to hold a press seminar on June 1, 2026 (Monday) to learn correct knowledge about the 'bad breath risk' of concern this summer and introduce practical brushing techniques.

Held ahead of the annual 'Dental and Oral Health Week' from June 4 to 10, the seminar featured Dr. Maejima explaining how 'summer dry mouth' due to air-conditioned environments may increase risks such as bad breath, and announced the results of a 'Summer Bad Breath Awareness Survey' targeting 3,000 people. The survey revealed that while interest in bad breath is high, there is a lack of awareness of summer-specific bad breath risks and challenges in self-care. Additionally, Mr. Nishio introduced correct brushing methods through live demonstrations.

Program 1: Summer Bad Breath Risk Lurking in Air-Conditioned Environments (Dr. Maejima)

Dr. Maejima presented 'dry mouth' as a key word for summer bad breath risk. Dry mouth, caused by various factors including reduced humidity due to air conditioning and autonomic nervous system imbalance, decreases saliva secretion and dries the mouth. Reduced saliva lowers self-cleaning and antibacterial functions, leading to proliferation of odor-causing bacteria (anaerobic bacteria). These bacteria break down proteins in the mouth and produce gas (volatile organic compounds), resulting in strong bad breath, she explained.

She explained that summer tends to cause dry mouth due to dryness from air conditioning and autonomic nervous system imbalance from cooling. Particularly this summer, with 'extreme heat days' exceeding 40°C expected, air conditioner use will likely increase, potentially raising bad breath risk.

To suppress summer bad breath, she emphasized not only keeping the mouth from drying but also removing plaque through brushing. Dry mouth makes it easier for plaque containing many odor-causing bacteria to accumulate. Since plaque cannot be removed by gargling alone and turns into tartar that cannot be removed by brushing if left, she explained the importance of thoroughly removing plaque through daily brushing.

Program 2: HaRENO Original Survey! Oral Care Reality of Working Adults Revealed by 3,000-Person Survey

Next, the results of an original survey on bad breath and oral care during lunch breaks targeting 3,000 working adults nationwide were announced. In the awareness survey on bad breath, 58.9% of respondents said they have been concerned about their own bad breath, and 65.9% said they have been concerned about others' bad breath, revealing that more than half are concerned about bad breath. However, 62.7% answered they 'did not know' that summer dryness could increase bad breath risk. Although interest in bad breath is high, the reality that summer-specific risks from air conditioning and oral dryness are not sufficiently recognized was highlighted.

Regarding oral care during lunch breaks, only 14.4% of working adults spend 5 minutes or more on oral care. The most common care activity was 'brushing teeth' by 939 respondents. While few people can allocate enough time during lunch, brushing teeth is the most common care performed in limited time.

*Details of the survey here

Program 3: Correct Brushing Techniques to Remove Dirt Even in a Short Time (Mr. Nishio)

Finally, Mr. Nishio demonstrated correct brushing methods focusing on efficient dirt removal. He explained that dirt tends to remain in three gaps: between teeth, between teeth and gums, and in deep grooves on tooth surfaces. To prevent these missed spots, he introduced three points for correct brushing:

[Three Points for Correct Brushing]

① Hold the toothbrush with a pen grip to avoid excessive force

② Fit the bristles between teeth without force

③ Aim for gaps, grooves, and roots, not tooth surfaces

Press Seminar Overview

Name: Press Seminar on Learning Correct Knowledge about 'Bad Breath Risk' and Practical Brushing Techniques

Date and Time: June 1, 2026 (Monday) 15:00-16:00

Host: HaRENO (AbemaTV Inc.)

[About Oral Care Brand 'HaRENO']

'Making the 100-year life bright'

In the 100-year life era, facing oral health issues like cavities and periodontal disease is more important than ever. However, many people may have a negative impression of brushing as 'troublesome.' Therefore, we aim to contribute to health in the 100-year life era by transforming daily oral care into a positive and enjoyable habit through a new oral care experience.

Changing 'have to' in oral care to 'want to' — because 'want to' is the start of a brighter future.

<Official website>: https://hareno100.jp/

<Official Instagram>: https://www.instagram.com/hareno100

<Official YouTube>: https://www.youtube.com/@hareno100

[Company Overview]

AbemaTV Inc.

Location: Abema Towers, 40-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Representative: Representative Director and President Susumu Fujita

Business: Video distribution business, etc.

URL: https://abematv.co.jp/