Today, let’s get real. Let’s talk about hygiene and bad breath.
I’ve been asked by many for advice about discussing BAD BREATH with someone. It’s truly not an easy subject, even for me. For the longest time, I couldn’t bring up the issue with patients because I was embarrassed or afraid to do so. Being a new doctor, I didn’t want to hurt their feelings and I simply didn’t know what to say. I wasn’t sure if they even knew they had a problem. With time, experience and maturity, I came to realize that if an individual can’t discuss the issue with their doctor, then they can’t discuss it with anyone else.
How I address the issue varies case by case. With some people, I can bring it up as a medical concern and I will address it using terms such as halitosis, bacterial overload, immunity, etc. While with others, I have to use a more hidden approach. With these individuals, I attempt to treat the problem with prescriptions, products, a cleaning and oral hygiene instruction in the hopes that it will solve the problem. If this doesn’t solve it, I then approach it more directly. But what I love most is when patients come in and say, “My wife/husband says I have bad breath so I need you to fix it.” That makes my life a whole lot easier. Now we have recognition of the problem by the patient and that’s always the first step to an open, honest and fruitful conversation.
Still though, you are not doctors and you are not in a position to discuss or treat this in a medical way. So, the question remains: “Doc, how do I approach the subject of bad breath with someone?”
The answer is: “Carefully, with tact, and in a caring way, but only with people whom you have a close and personal relationship with.” Otherwise, send them our way. Why? Because, we’re broaching a specific subject about hygiene and that’s a sensitive subject for anyone. For whatever reason, there are variations among people as to how often they will perform certain hygiene routines. In some groups, washing hair once a week is normal, while in others, daily is expected. Some people wash their bodies once a week while others wash once or twice a day. With regards to oral hygiene, most people brush once a day, floss hardly ever and never use antibacterial rinses, but there are groups of people, including adults, who will not brush more than once a week and that’s the honest truth. There are many reasons as to why hygiene rituals vary, but this variation results in some people having what is considered in today’s society as unacceptable hygiene.
Let me ask you some questions. How do you broach the subject with a boyfriend, lover or spouse that they taste funny every time you kiss them? How easy would it be to tell your mother whom you love and respect that her breathe smells, or that their body odor is strong? How about a co-worker who has visible calculus or cavities? How do you bring up their dental issues? How difficult is it to tell your best friend not to stand too close to you because they release certain odors? It’s not easy and I’m not sure it’s supposed to be. These are people who are close or intimate and that you spend much time with and, still, the subject is difficult. As much as we would like to say something, it is my belief that unless you have an honest, open and sincere relationship with someone who will not be offended, my recommendation is to leave it to a medical professional. Sometimes it’s easier to make an appointment for a loved one, or to share with a co-worker how wonderful your dentist is than to discuss it with them.
A personal example would be my visits to the dreaded gynecologist. If you’re a man reading this, think about your proctologist, urologist or general physician. Every time I’m lying there bare naked I think, “I’d better ask the embarrassing questions just in case they’re too afraid to mention anything.” And after I ask, it’s always a relief to hear them say, “You look great! Everything looks nice. It’s beautiful down there!” I would never discuss my very personal concerns with anyone, unless they are the person caring for that particular body part. So, I encourage you to please feel comfortable asking the doctor who is staring at you in the face (a.k.a your dentist), “Can you tell me if I have bad breath? I’ve always wondered but never asked.” That simple question opens the lines of communication in such a way that it allows honest and direct dialogue. If you dare, ask someone close to you the same question. Depending on your relationship, they may or may not be honest, but your doctor cares about your health and that is their #1 priority.
So next time you come in, don’t be shy about it. Ask us about anything that concerns you. We’ll be happy to discuss them in a very respectful, compassionate and sincere way.