Each of the following is correct EXCEPT which one:
- A. Bad breath appears to be largely bacteria in origin.
- B. Bad breath originating from the gastrointestinal tract is quite common.
- C. Self-perceptions of bad breath appear to be unreliable.
- D. Fear of having bad breath may be a severe problem for some people.
While all the statements have some truth to them, the most likely exception is:
C. Self-perceptions of bad breath appear to be unreliable.
Here's why:
A. Bad breath appears to be largely bacteria in origin:
This is true. Anaerobic bacteria on the tongue and tonsils are a major contributor to bad breath (halitosis).
B. Bad breath originating from the gastrointestinal tract is quite common:
This is also true. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), for example, can cause bad breath.
C. Self-perceptions of bad breath appear to be unreliable:
This statement is less accurate. While some people may overestimate the severity of their bad breath, studies suggest that self-perception can be relatively accurate, especially when using objective measures like organoleptic testing (assessing breath odor by trained professionals).
D. Fear of having bad breath may be a severe problem for some people:
This is true. Halitophobia, the fear of having bad breath, can be a debilitating condition for some individuals.
Therefore, while individual perception might not always be perfect, it's not entirely unreliable. So, option C is the most likely exception.
It's important to note that if you are concerned about bad breath, consulting a dentist or healthcare professional is always recommended to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
