Do you ever worry about your breath before a meeting, date or social event? You’re not alone. Bad breath isn’t just a hygiene issue – it affects confidence, relationships and career growth. Research shows that fresh breath is key to personal and professional success. Yet many people feel too embarrassed to address it.
Bad breath is a common concern – according to the 2025 Fresh Breath Insights Survey, 93% of South African dental professionals say that patients bring it up during appointments.
To better understand the link between bad breath and self-confidence, we spoke to experts in mental health, medicine and oral hygiene:
- Dr Matshidiso Gule, Medical Director at PhilaQ Health Solutions
- Mohammed Uzair Bhamjee, Counselling Psychologist at Soulful Psychology
- Dirna Grobbelaar, Oral Hygiene Advisor at Ivohealth
They shared insights into how halitosis can impact your well-being and what to do to address oral health and mental health concerns.
The Psychological Toll of Bad Breath
Bad breath has a proven impact on mental well-being. A 2023 study in Medicina* confirmed that adolescents and young adults with halitosis were more likely to suffer from social anxiety, lower self-esteem and reduced quality of life.
“People aware of their bad breath often withdraw from conversations or avoid close social interactions,” explains Mohammed Uzair Bhamjee. “This can create a cycle of self-consciousness and isolation, where individuals start avoiding meetings, dates and social events out of fear of judgment.”
“Bad breath affects how you show up in the world,” explains Dr Matshidiso Gule. “Many sufferers develop social anxiety disorder, where even routine conversations become overwhelming. Over time, this anxiety can lead to avoidance behaviours and, if unchecked, escalate into depression.”
How Bad Breath Affects Your Relationships & Career
Confidence shapes how we connect with others. The 2023 study found that halitosis sufferers were more likely to feel insecure in social settings, leading to reduced career and dating prospects.
Bad breath can quietly sabotage family, friend and work relationships. It can also impact how others perceive us. “In South Africa, fresh breath is strongly associated with success and personal hygiene,” notes Bhamjee. “Whether in job interviews, meetings, or romantic relationships, someone who constantly worries about their breath may struggle to engage confidently, affecting both professional and personal growth.”
Transforming Your Breath (and Confidence): Small Changes, Big Impact
The good news? For most people, better breath starts with oral care. According to the Fresh Breath Insights Survey, the top three solutions recommended by dental professionals are:
- Clean your tongue: The back of the tongue is where the bacteria and debris that can cause bad breath love to hide. It’s easy to do – here’s how.
- Clean in-between your teeth: Use floss, interdental brushes or Soft-Picks to remove trapped food and plaque. Read our guide if you struggle to ‘floss like a boss’.
- Regular oral hygiene treatments: A professional clean – with a dentist or oral hygienist – removes plaque and tartar build-up that you can’t remove at home.
“Most people don’t realise that small changes to your at-home daily oral care routine can make the biggest difference. “Simply improving your brushing technique, interdental cleaning and tongue care can dramatically improve breath freshness and confidence,” advises Grobbelaar.
For more advice, check out our in-depth guide: The Expert Guide to Beating Bad Breath.
Overcoming Stigma & Seeking Help (OR Don’t Suffer in Silence)
Embarrassment often prevents people from seeking help for bad breath—even from a dentist or doctor. However, avoiding the issue prolongs the discomfort.
Dr Gule explains: ‘Many of my patients fear being judged unclean, even when they maintain good hygiene. This stigma makes people reluctant to seek professional help, but bad breath is simply a sign that something is wrong. Don’t be embarrassed—your healthcare providers are here to help, not judge.”
According to the Fresh Breath Insights Survey, dental professionals unanimously agree that more education and awareness are needed to help people feel comfortable addressing bad breath.
Bhamjee adds: “Overcoming the stigma starts with understanding that bad breath is a common and treatable issue. Addressing it can have significant mental and emotional benefits. It’s not just about freshening your breath – it’s about taking control of your health and confidence.”
What to Do Next
✔️ Talk to a professional – A dentist or doctor can help identify underlying health issues. A counsellor or therapist can help you address self-esteem challenges.
✔️ Take the online Bad Breath Check – If you’re not ready for an in-person visit, try our quick, free assessment for expert-backed insights and solutions.
Final Thoughts
Bad breath is more than a hygiene issue – it can be a confidence killer.
“A holistic approach is best. Consulting a dentist or doctor is the first step. If confidence issues persist, working with a psychologist can help rebuild self-esteem and self-image,” says Bhamjee.
You don’t have to suffer in silence. Whether through better oral care, medical support, or talking to a mental health professional, you can take steps to rebuild your confidence and take control of your oral health.
Take action today:
✔️ Read our expert guide to beating bad breath
✔️ Take the online Bad Breath Check
✔️ Consult a dentist, doctor or mental health professional if symptoms persist
Remember: Real confidence starts with fresh breath 💙
Further Insights: Experts’ Q&A – Bad Breath and Confidence
Q: How does bad breath impact mental health and confidence?
Bhamjee: “People who are aware of their bad breath often withdraw from conversations or avoid close interactions, leading to anxiety, self-doubt and even isolation. This can create additional stress in professional settings, as individuals fear it may affect their image and relationships.”
Dr Gule: “Halitosis sufferers may develop a social anxiety disorder, fearing judgment in everyday interactions. Over time, this can escalate into depression if left unmanaged. Seeking help at an early stage is advisable.”
Q: What role does stigma play in bad breath-related challenges?
Bhamjee: “Stigma creates a deep sense of personal failure and self-consciousness. Many fear being judged as neglectful or unhygienic, which leads to social withdrawal and reluctance to seek help.”
Dr Gule: “Bad breath is often seen as a basic hygiene issue, so those affected may feel ashamed or embarrassed. Lack of access to oral health professionals makes this worse, leading to repeated experiences of shame and isolation.”
Q: How does bad breath affect romantic, social, or professional relationships?
Bhamjee: “Bad breath can lead to discomfort and reduced intimacy in relationships. It can affect first impressions and career growth in professional settings, as colleagues may avoid close conversations.”
Dr Gule: “Many sufferers don’t feel comfortable in social settings, whether at work, church, or social gatherings. Their self-esteem takes a hit and they may start avoiding people altogether, which can lead to loneliness.”
Q: What should someone struggling with bad breath-related confidence do?
Dr Gule: “Understanding the root cause is key—whether oral hygiene, diet, or a medical issue. Professional guidance can help identify the right interventions, from improved oral care routines to medical treatments.”
Bhamjee: “Mental health support can also be beneficial. Learning coping mechanisms and self-esteem exercises can help individuals regain confidence while they address the physical cause of their bad breath.”
Q: How can friends and family support someone dealing with bad breath?
Bhamjee: “Approach the conversation with empathy, not criticism. Avoid making jokes and offer practical support, like respectfully suggesting professional help.”
Dr Gule: “Education is key. Before talking to someone about their bad breath, understand the condition so you can support them with compassion rather than judgment.”
Q: How can public awareness help reduce the stigma?
Dr Gule: “Raising awareness in hospitals, malls, pharmacies and schools can help normalise the conversation and encourage people to seek solutions.”
Bhamjee: “When bad breath is seen as a common and treatable issue rather than a personal failing, more people will feel comfortable addressing it.”
Take action today:
✔️ Read our expert guide to beating bad breath
✔️ Try the Bad Breath Check
✔️ Consult a dentist or doctor if symptoms persist
Real confidence starts with fresh breath 💙
Written in consultation with:
Dr Matshidiso Gule – Medical Director at PhilaQ Health Solutions
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
📩 drgule@30plus.co
📲 Instagram: @drgule_
Mohammed Uzair Bhamjee – Counselling Psychologist at Soulful Psychology
📍 Johannesburg, South Africa
📩 soulful.psyc@gmail.com
📲 Instagram: @Soulful_Psychology_mo
References:
- Emotional and Social Impact of Halitosis on Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review: Briceag, R.; Caraiane, A.; Raftu, G.; Horhat, R.M.; Bogdan, I.; Fericean, R.M.; Shaaban, L.; Popa, M.; Bumbu, B.A.; Bratu, M.L.; et al. Emotional and Social Impact of Halitosis on Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review. Medicina 2023, 59, 564. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59030564
Botelho, J., Mascarenhas, P., Viana, J. et al. An umbrella review of the evidence linking oral health and systemic noncommunicable diseases. Nat Commun 13, 7614 (2022). https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-35337-8#citeas
