3 Questions When Fear of Bad Breath Is Shortening Conversations

If you lean away while talking or end conversations early because you fear your breath smells, describe that at your dental visit. Bring the concern itself, including the situations in which it changes what you do.

Three questions for the assessment

1. How will you check whether odor is present? An organoleptic assessment means a clinician smells exhaled breath and scores its intensity. It is a direct assessment, though the judgment is subjective. Ask how to prepare for the clinic’s procedure.¹
2. What would a device result add? Gas chromatography can measure particular breath gases but costs more and requires expertise. Portable sulphide monitors offer clinical screening, with limits that can produce inconclusive findings. Ask how a measurement fits with your examination.¹
3. What happens after the findings are explained? Care should target the identified source. Persistent concerns after local treatment may warrant further assessment or referral. Ask what was found, what the treatment targets and how it will be reviewed.¹

Give the worry a place in the plan

You can say: “I need help understanding what you found. I’m avoiding close conversations because of this.” If no odor is detected, ask how to address the concern that brought you in and when another assessment would be appropriate.

Leave with the finding written down, the agreed next step and a review plan. Ask the clinician to explain unfamiliar terms before you leave. Write down the explanation beside the term.

Is It My Breath? includes a SourceMap, BreathLog and an honest-check script. Use them to organize the observations and questions for your visit. See the book.