Insulting or embarrassing them?
Don’t be unkind or rightous about it, we all have our moments! This person simply might not realize it’s a problem. It could be due to their health issues (maybe not even known – yet), a spicy diet or not drinking enough fluids to rinse their mouth. Dentures or metal fillings also take on an odor when the mouth is dry, plus we naturally make less spit as we age. And we’re not all lucky enough to be in intimate relationships, or have family around (or ones that give a damn), that might tell us about personal issues such as body odor or bad breath.
I recommend switching it up and using yourself as an example with them. Be overly concerned about your own breath, and apologize to them, offering up mints or gum. This way the subject has been brought up without shame, a little laughter, and they’ll now know to be aware – if for some reason they didn’t already. You can also tell a story about knowing, or working with, someone who had “fire dragon breath” to get out more details. Express how dreadful it was, but don’t go crazy with the tall tail or it might be seen as an obvious lie. Doing it this way, you haven’t hurt any feelings, but put them on notice. It makes them aware that other people don’t necessarily have to be in each other’s faces to catch a whiff of anothers breath.
Now, you’ll hope this person becomes more conscience of their breath and the problem is solved. But if it happens from this point on, having already expressed your own problem previously, in a casual conversation, it won’t be so hard to ever just go “Woo hoo, what did you have for lunch today?” while offering up mints or gum and a smile.
Similar articles
- How to Tell Someone They Have Bad Breath
It can be quite unpleasant to face someone with bad breath, but if that person is your colleague or good friend, you may find it difficult to tell them they got a bad breath. How are you to tell someone politely so that you will not hurt his or her feeling? There are several ways
... - Nervous about tonsillectomy [Archive]
I did ask if I could have mine. My ENT said he had to sent them out to pathilogy, I believe. HE!! HE!! No stitches. Mine were cut out. The area was burned while he was cutting, cauterization. Yes, there was a huge scab. Extremely gross looking. Disturbing in a way. But I
... - Bad Breath Halitosis
I am a 37 year old woman. I do believe I suffer from BB. I have been told in the past. I have the “turn head” while talking, rubbing the nose. Not all the time, but quite often. I have no idea what my problem is. I got married in 2005. I never
... - Are Bad Breath and Blood Sugar Really Related?
Are Bad Breath and Blood Sugar Really Related? Many people who suffer from chronic diabetes also suffer from chronic bad breath due to low blood sugar counts. It is said that those who suffer from low blood sugar notice a unique taste in their mouth when they are low on blood sugar and a completely
... - Bad Breath Intervention : When offering gum doesn’t cut it
Dear Helena, A friend of mine has unholy halitosis and it really grosses me out. When we’re in a crowded bar, I dread him leaning in too close. If we’re eating dinner together, I always sit as far away as I can. I feel concerned for him as he is single and I worry that
...
That’s a good idea. I would say that I am
only trying to help but not offend and I don’t want them to be
embarrassed.
absolutely – it could be a medical problem,
for which no embarassment is necessary.
This would make a person suspect evryone and
make them feel terrible around all of them.
When someone asks me if I want some gum, I
never refuse, just in case ;~)
I do the same thing. I offer and then they
ask “Why do I need it?” and I just kind of laugh a little but they
usually get it.
Just give them double mint gum!
Sorry, but I disagree! We are a subtle
society and we don’t like to talk about these things.
I agree. It would cause them to think
everyone had been talking about their bad breath.
I almost fell off the chair with laughter. I
hope your breath isn’t really that bad, but even if it is, at least
you have a sense of humor about it.
Good answer! LOL about philosphy question.
Sorry, that I didn’t answer that ?
I don’t think it’s rude. What’s rude is
“Damn, you got breath that would gag a maggot on a gut wagon!”
I’ve tried offering this guy I’m dating
mints and gum and he won’t accept it! He likes to kiss and the
thought of it makes me gag!!!
You should have told your band director that
his breath smelled. After all, it did! Nothing wrong with being
honest.