I think my anxiety is the problem and doctors do not believe me....
I have been dealing with this breath situation for 3 years. Yes, 3 years. I feel like crying. Every time I go to a dentist, doctor, or therapist, they all say that they cannot smell anything. In the beginning, I thought they were lying to me, but now I realize that specific situations seem to trigger the bad breath. Whenever I am in a place with multiple people, I start feeling anxious. My mouth becomes dry, I do not move my tongue, and I clench my teeth. I believe this causes the bad breath. I know it is hard to believe, but I feel like people give signs, use sarcasm, or make indirect jokes. I have become very socially isolated. It is difficult to have someone close to me or someone I trust enough to ask for honest feedback. It is real because sometimes I think I can smell it coming from my nose. I feel devastated. I have taken four different antidepressants, and they caused awful side effects. I feel like doctors keep dismissing my concerns. When I am one-on-one with a doctor or provider, I do not feel as anxious. It feels like a safe space. However, when I am waiting in the reception area, it feels like a nightmare and all the symptoms begin. It does not feel like constant bad breath, but rather situational, especially in rooms with multiple people. Does anyone else identify? Anyone else found a solution?
Posted Feb 18, 2026, 2:27 AM UTC