Social relations and breath odour
L McKeown
Abstract
Abstract:
In this retrospective qualitative study, the researcher reviewed
55 client records of The Breath Odour Clinic. The purpose was
to determine if individuals attended a clinic specialised in treating
oral malodour for medical or social reasons. The study focused
on the psychosocial and breath odour history. Clients had agreed
to the use of information for research purposes. Society uses
odour as a means to define and interact with the world. The olfactory,
smelling experience is intimate, emotionally charged and connects
us with the world. It follows that the smell from mouth breath
odour can connect or disconnect a person from their social environment
and intimate relationships. How one experiences one's own body
is very personal and private but also very public. Breath odour
is public as it occurs within a social and cultural context and
personal as it affects one's body image and self-confidence. Body
image, self-image and social relations mesh, interact and impact
upon each other. Breath odour is a dynamic and interactive aspect
of the self-image. In addition, breath odour may be value-coded
as `bad'. In 75% of the cases reviewed, decreased self-confidence
and insecurity in social and intimate relations led clients to
seek treatment at the specialised breath odour clinic. Their doctor,
dental hygienist or dentist had treated medical and oral conditions
but not resolved their breath odour problem. When a person perceives
a constant bad breath problem, she/he uses defence techniques,
and may avoid social situations and social relations. This affects
a person's well-being.
IFDHJ 2003;1(4):213 - 217