Halitophobia

Halitophobia, also called olfactory reference syndrome or delusional halitosis, is a persistent and excessive fear of having bad breath, even when careful clinical examination finds little or no odor and any needed dental treatment has already been given. It is classed as a specific phobia within the anxiety disorders, and sufferers can experience significant distress and impairment in daily functioning and relationships as a result. Severe halitophobia is uncommon, affecting an estimated fewer than 1 percent of adults, and the fear is linked to other conditions including bromidrophobia, social anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.