The Bad Breath Bible

Does Fear Cause Bad Breath?

Sure, it sounds like a funny question, but it's definitely a valid one. So, does fear cause bad breath? Well, anyone suffering from chronic bad breath or anyone who knows someone with such a problem might be very interested to learn that, yes, fear can cause bad breath! Weird, huh? Read on to discover the fascinating link between fear and smelly breath.

Bad breath -- also known as halitosis -- is a mouth condition that everyone is familiar with. Whether you've had it yourself or been in close contact with someone who does, we all know that it's a stinky and uncomfortable situation to be in. If you've got it, you may be completely unaware or you might be totally self-conscious and embarrassed. And if you're in deep conversation with someone suffering from bad breath, then you're probably equally uneasy. You're probably trying to breathe through your mouth so you don't smell it, trying to keep a straight face so you don't give away your discomfort, and wondering how you can politely offer a mint or end the conversation so you can get the heck out of there!

What causes bad breath and how does fear factor in? Lots of things can cause bad breath, actually. Certain foods, medical conditions such as peptic ulcers and other stomach conditions, or just plain bad oral hygiene can all cause unpleasant halitosis. But one contributing factor that most people don't consider is fear. When you experience fear or an increased level of anxiety, your body responds in certain ways. Many of these reactions, like sweaty palms or rapid heartbeat and breathing, are practically a given. But an increasingly common physical reaction to fear is bad breath. It makes sense, really. When you're scared, your body heats up, your breathing rate accelerates, and your mouth dries up. This creates the perfect environment for certain smelly bacteria to accumulate and cause halitosis. Yikes! It's kind of a double whammy; not only are you scared of something, but now you've got to deal with embarrassing bad breath, too!

Rest assured, though, there are things that can be done to help you remedy your bad breath problem. One of the easiest and best ways to tackle the issue is to adopt good oral hygiene habits. Brush and floss after eating to remove food particles and bacteria, and use bacteria-killing mouthwash if you'd like. Gum, mints, and breath spray can also be easily purchased and kept in a pocket or purse for emergency situations. If you notice that the problem seems to arise more during times when you feel anxious, make sure you have one of these things with you when you know you'll be doing something nerve-wracking, like public speaking or meeting your future in-laws. For more serious conditions, you can talk to your doctor or dentist to see about getting prescription medication to combat your bad breath.

So, now that you have the answer to that persistent question, "Does fear cause bad breath?" you can start finding remedies to help you through those uncomfortable situations. You know now that your body reacts and creates unpleasant responses to anxiety, but bad breath doesn't have to ruin your life. There are lots of treatments; you just need to find what works for you!