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26/09/23 Why do people worry about having bad breath?

Bad Breath isn’t life or death so why do so many people worry if they have it?

There are several reasons for worrying about bad breath.

Social and Personal

Bad breath can be socially embarrassing as sufferers may fear that others can smell their unpleasant breath. This can lead to self-consciousness, low self-esteem and anxiety in social situations. People don’t want to be judged by their breath and may avoid socialising often or stop altogether which is far from ideal.

Communication

Naturally following on from social and personal – if a person feels self-conscious of their breath, they may stop engaging in close conversations with friends, family or work colleagues.  They may also avoid intimate conversations or situations in the fear that they put the other person off with their breath.

Professional Impact

A person can be professional, look smart but if they have bad breath they will dread meetings, conferences, interviews, even dread getting in lifts. Anywhere where you have to stand close enough for someone else to smell your breath will cause anxiety for a bad breath sufferer. This could end up being detrimental to their career or at the very least won’t allow them to enjoy work.

Dental Health and Hygiene

Bad breath can be a symptom of poor oral hygiene or dental issues. It could be a symptom of tooth decay, gum disease or an infection. All these issues MUST be treated. Of course bad breath could be down to something as simple as not drinking enough water, eating smelly foods like onion or garlic but if bad breath is there without eating spicy foods, then you must seek advice from your Dentist.

Systemic Health Issues

Bad breath cause also be a symptom of other issues going on in the body for example, respiratory infections, digestive disorders and chronic illness.

Bad breath is often overlooked as a cosmetic issue and that is why many oral care products are classed as cosmetics but this is wrong. Most of the time bad breath is caused by a minor issue but don’t ignore it, your breath is telling you something.

How can you help yourself?

Please have regular dental check ups and hygienist appointments and in-between these appointments ensure that you are doing your bit at home – brushing at least twice a day, flossing, tongue scraping and using an effective mouthwash. Drink plenty of water and if you think you are susceptible to bad breath, then avoid spicy foods and alcohol (which dries the mouth out) and visit your dental clinic.