(AP) — New technology to reduce bad breath that was developed at the University of Nebraska Medical Center has been licensed to a Chinese company.

UNMC’s licensing unit, UNeMed Corporation, says the new form of menthol has been licensed to Bohe Biotech, which will try to develop commercial products with it.

Menthol is a common ingredient in oral hygiene products.

UNMC Researcher Dong Wang says the menthol he developed binds to the surface of teeth and slowly releases its flavor over time.

Bohe Biotech hopes to develop an additive with the long-lasting menthol that could be used in mouthwash, floss, chewing gum or toothpaste.