Trauma-induced halitosis and how hypnosis can help

Halitosis (bad breath) is often considered a physical condition related to poor oral hygiene, digestive problems, nasopharyngeal complications, or other systemic issues affecting saliva production, such as Sjögren’s syndrome. Less established is how emotional trauma and psychological stress can contribute to bad breath. Trauma responses, particularly those related to chronic stress, anxiety, shame, or social fear, can trigger a variety of physical manifestations, including digestive disturbances, hormonal imbalances, catabolic states, sleep disturbances, digestive system inflammation, enzymatic disruption, and mouth breathing, all of which can result in halitosis.¹

How does trauma affect halitosis?

Chronic stress and anxiety:

• Trauma, especially long-term emotional trauma or stressful life experiences, often leads to chronic anxiety. This can affect the body’s digestive and salivary functions. Anxiety may cause dry mouth (a key contributor to bad breath) as the body's fight-or-flight response slows down the production of saliva.
• Mouth breathing due to anxiety or panic attacks can lead to a dry mouth and halitosis as it disrupts the natural balance of moisture and bacteria in the mouth.

Emotional suppression and guilt:

• People who have experienced trauma may also struggle with emotional suppression, leading to issues like shame or guilt. These emotions can manifest physically in the form of halitosis. The subconscious connection between emotional distress and physical discomfort (like bad breath) can become ingrained.
• For some, feeling self-conscious or embarrassed about their breath can worsen the condition, especially if they feel isolated or judged. This creates a cycle of social anxiety, making the problem harder to address without proper emotional healing.

Digestive issues from trauma:

• Trauma, especially childhood trauma, can have a lasting effect on the gut-brain axis, leading to gastrointestinal issues like acid reflux (GERD), bloating, or IBS, all of which are common causes of halitosis. When stress or unresolved trauma affects gut health, it can directly impact bad breath.²

How can hypnosis treat halitosis?

Hypnosis works by accessing the subconscious mind, where emotional trauma and unresolved issues are stored. In the hypnotic state, the patient can be guided to explore and release emotional blockages or memories that may be contributing to their physical symptoms of halitosis. Through trauma-focused hypnosis, the patient can process and release stored emotional pain, particularly if that pain is linked to feelings of shame or embarrassment regarding their breath or body. Patients suffering from trauma often have a negative self-image, believing they are unworthy or unclean due to their bad breath. Hypnosis can reframe these beliefs, allowing the patient to embrace a more positive self-image, thereby reducing anxiety and stress associated with halitosis. The hypnotic suggestions can guide the patient to feel empowered and in control of their breath and health, shifting their perception from embarrassment to confidence.³

Releasing these emotions can alleviate the physical manifestation of bad breath by:

Reducing stress and anxiety

• Hypnosis is a powerful tool for stress reduction. In the relaxed state, the patient can be guided through deep relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety, which can directly improve symptoms like dry mouth and mouth breathing.
• Hypnosis can also help reprogram the subconscious to reduce anxiety triggers related to social interactions and bad breath, thus breaking the cycle of stress-related halitosis.

Improving mouth-breathing habits

• Often, individuals with trauma may engage in mouth breathing due to anxiety or stress. In hypnosis, the patient can be guided to develop more natural, diaphragmatic breathing (nose breathing), which reduces dry mouth and promotes fresh breath.⁴
• Hypnosis can help reinforce positive behaviors, such as proper hydration, regular brushing, and avoiding late-night snacking, which can all contribute to fresh breath.

Addressing digestive issues contributing to halitosis

• Since trauma can also affect gut health, hypnosis can be used to address emotional triggers associated with digestion. Through guided visualizations and suggestions, the patient can be encouraged to maintain healthy eating habits, reduce emotional eating, and promote optimal digestion.⁵
• Hypnosis can also work to reduce acid reflux or bloating caused by stress, indirectly improving halitosis caused by digestive disturbances. In addition, decreases in cortisol production can improve leaky gut caused by inflammation.⁶

Boosting self-care and healthy habits

• Hypnosis can instill a sense of self-care and empowerment, motivating the patient to adopt and maintain healthy habits. This includes oral hygiene routines, hydration, mindful eating, and stress management techniques to reduce the risk of halitosis.
• Positive suggestions can encourage the patient to practice regular oral care without resistance or procrastination, reinforcing the importance of these actions in maintaining fresh breath.⁷

Hypnosis treatment for trauma-induced halitosis

Session 1: Initial assessment and induction

• Discuss the patient’s history with trauma, emotional distress, and how they believe it relates to their halitosis.
• Use a deep relaxation induction to guide the patient into a calm, receptive state.
• Introduce initial suggestions for stress reduction, healthy breathing patterns, and releasing any negative emotional associations with bad breath.

Sessions 2-3: Trauma and emotional healing

• Explore emotional triggers related to trauma that may contribute to bad breath. Guide the patient to release any subconscious shame, guilt, or anxiety about their breath.
• Reinforce healthy self-image and confidence in their ability to maintain fresh breath and self-care habits.

Sessions 4-5: Gut and digestive healing

• Address any digestive issues linked to trauma. Use visualizations to promote healthy gut function, reducing symptoms like acid reflux, bloating, or constipation.
• Suggest healthier eating habits, mindful eating, and reducing stress-related digestive disturbances.

Session 6: Reinforcement and habit formation

• Strengthen positive habits for oral hygiene and fresh breath, emphasizing hydration, mouth care, and deep breathing.
• Encourage ongoing relaxation and self-care practices to manage stress and maintain fresh breath.

Potential outcomes of hypnosis treatment for halitosis

1. Biologic stress reduction: Through a decrease in cortisol, improved emotional healing, and improved habits, the patient will experience fresher breath.
2. Emotional relief: The patient will release any subconscious emotional triggers related to bad breath, such as shame or anxiety.
3. Better digestive function: Improved gut health and digestion will further alleviate symptoms of halitosis.
4. Long-term confidence: The patient will feel more confident in their ability to manage their breath, leading to reduced anxiety and stress.

Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in Perio-Implant Advisory, a chairside resource for dentists and hygienists that focuses on periodontal- and implant-related issues. Read more articles and subscribe to the newsletter.

References

1. Vali A, Roohafza H, Keshteli AH, et al. Relationship between subjective halitosis and psychological factors. Int Dent J. 2015;65(3):120-126. doi:1111/idj.12153
2. Katz J, Shenkman A, Stavropoulos F, Melzer E. Oral signs and symptoms in relation to disease activity and site of involvement in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Oral Dis.2003;9(1):34-40. doi:10.1034/j.1601-0825.2003.00879.x
3. Stafrace SP, Evans BJ. Self-esteem, hypnosis, and ego-enhancement. Australian Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis.2004;32(1):1-35.
4. Glazer D. Hypnosis in dentistry. In: Burrows GD, Stanley RO, Bloom PB, eds. International Handbook of Clinical Hypnosis.John Wiley & Sons; 2001:285-298.
5. Poniewierka E, Pleskacz M, Łuc-Pleskacz N, Kłaniecka-Broniek J. Halitosis as a symptom of gastroenterological diseases. Prz Gastroenterol. 2022;17(1):17-20. doi:10.5114/pg.2022.114593.
6. Zayas-Montilla E. Stress, cortisol, and the digestive system. https://www.starkelnutrition.com/2019/stress-cortisol-digestive-system/
7. Rezvani A, Safari N, Shojaeian A. The use of hypnosis in medicine and dentistry: a review. Afr J Biol Sci. 2004;6(16). doi:48047/AFJBS.6.16.2024.2827-2838