Table 1 Halitosis Consequences Inventory (ICH)

1. Do you talk less because of bad breath?

2. Do you turn your face when talking to someone because of bad breath?

3. Do you avoid talking close to people because of bad breath?

4. Do you chew gum, have breath mints, or use mouthwash to mask your bad breath?

5. Do you have worries about bad breath (for instance: ‘Do I have bad breath?’ ‘Is it strong?’ and so on)?

6. Do you put your hand over your mouth while talking because of bad breath?

7. Do you believe that you will be a more spontaneous person in your social life if you stop having bad breath?

8. Do you believe that you will be a more spontaneous person in your professional life if you stop having bad breath?

9. Do you believe that you will be a more spontaneous person in your affective relationships if you stop having bad breath?

10. Because of bad breath, have you ever mumbled (holding your breath) in a situation you had to talk very close to someone?

11. Because of bad breath, do you talk less when in closed or crowded spaces such as a car or elevator?

12. Because of bad breath, did you start taking better care of your oral hygiene (teeth brushing, flossing, and/or tongue cleaning)?

13. Because of bad breath, have you ever given up going out or attending a social event or a commitment?

14. If you stop having bad breath, will your self-esteem improve?

15. Has someone ever covered his or her nose, and you thought it was because of your bad breath?

16. Has someone ever offered you mint drops, and you thought it was because of your bad breath?

17. Has someone you were talking to ever stepped back a little or turned away while you were speaking, or got up when you sat next to him or her, and you thought it was because of bad breath?

18. Do you believe you have heard comments (indirect and/or by third parties) about your bad breath?