Although
many people suffer from chronic bad breath, also called halitosis, some people only experience the fear of
having bad breath. This fear is referred to as halitophobia, and it occurs in
those who think they have bad breath when they do not.
Individuals who suffer from halitophobia experience extremely overstated concerns or delusions about having bad breath. This condition is estimated to be present in nearly 25 percent of patients seeking professional assistance for halitosis, and almost one-half to one percent of adults may suffer from halitophobia.
For those with halitophobia, the fear of having others become aware of their perceived bad breath can lead them to demonstrate a variety of odd behaviors.
Individuals who suffer from halitophobia experience extremely overstated concerns or delusions about having bad breath. This condition is estimated to be present in nearly 25 percent of patients seeking professional assistance for halitosis, and almost one-half to one percent of adults may suffer from halitophobia.
For those with halitophobia, the fear of having others become aware of their perceived bad breath can lead them to demonstrate a variety of odd behaviors.
For
example, someone with halitophobia may cover his or her mouth
when talking or avoid interacting with others in social situations. Those with
halitophobia can often fixate on cleaning their teeth and tongue
and may constantly use gum, mints, mouthwashes,
and sprays in an effort to reduce their distress at their apparent bad breath.
These
coping behaviors can often be attributed to some form of obsessive-compulsive
disorder which prompts specific self-conscious patterns.
Halitophobia
is regarded as severe when the fear of having bad breath prompts individuals to experience impaired daily functioning
such as social anxiety, depression, and withdrawal.
Initially, the most effective method of treating halitophobia is to get rid of any potential bad breath symptoms. See your dentist regularly for cleanings and exams, and make sure you maintain a thorough oral-hygiene routine of brushing and flossing teeth and gums.
Initially, the most effective method of treating halitophobia is to get rid of any potential bad breath symptoms. See your dentist regularly for cleanings and exams, and make sure you maintain a thorough oral-hygiene routine of brushing and flossing teeth and gums.
If
no underlying medical or hygienic reason for bad breath
can be found by a dentist, those with halitophobia can often benefit from
seeing a psychologist.
Only
a clinical psychologist can officially diagnose and treat the psychosomatic
aspects of halitophobia. Psychological counselling and treatment may address
any causal reasons for the phobia and can propose ways to help alleviate
distress.
This article is based
on the book,” Bad Breath Free Forever” by James Williams. This special report
contains vital information that will enable you to take control of your life,
banish bad breath, save your sex life, career and personal relationships.
Never again will you
suffer the humiliation of bad breath. Get yourself cleaner, fresher breath and
a more kissable mouth. You will enjoy increased self-confidence and positive
effects on your self-esteem.