Self-halitosis has been defined as psychosomatic halitosis. We have been caring for patients who are extraordinarily conscious of their own oral malodor by brief psychotherapy and periodontal therapy in our department. These therapies are effective for psychosomatic disorders, but not for psychiatric diseases like depression. Recently, we have emphasized that self-halitosis patients with such severe diseases should consult with and receive psychotherapy from a psychiatrist, not a dentist. However, many patients are resistant to seeing a psychiatrist for this problem. They sincerely believe that bad breath is not directly related to any psychiatric problem.
In this report, we describe the cases of two psychosomatic halitosis patients who were diagnosed with depression and hypochondriasis by psychiatric techniques.
