bad breath, the sequel.

[gazzawazza]

Following on from Sally's question re bad breath, is it kinder to tell someone they suffer from halitosis?

There's someone at work whose breath absolutely reeks, and everyone has noticed this.

Should we break it to this person somehow? And if so, how???

The problem is, we find it hard to believe that this person's partner hasn't said something... in which case perhaps the person just doesn't care? Opinions appreciated.

[WendyW]

I think that you should tell them BUT please do it gently.

[sft42]

eemm and exactly how do you propose to brooch the subject??? yes terrible weather today and BTW your breath is honking?? I'm sorry this is just one of the things that you have to accept that everyone is different and different people have different standards of cleanliness and living so they may think that their breath is fine....other than that is this such a major problem? If their breath is that bad at least you can be grateful you don't have to kiss them goodnight!!

[Cathy]

Why don't you try to give them a few hints? Try offering them mints and chewing gum. Or you could ask them if they've got a bad stomach or sore throat or anything else you can think of that causes bad breath. It could be that they've got a health problem and can't do anything about it.

[xyzzyplugh]

Postit notes. Simple.

[Mintox]

If he's you boss then don't but if you're his boss then do - it's your managerial right to interfere in his looks and personal life etc.

[andy hughes]

Why not suggest the 'lick' test - as outlined in the previous answer - you could suggest it as a novelty, chances are most people can't resist nipping off to the loo to try it, and if your colleague does so, he or she is going to know pretty quickly that they have a problem. If nothing changes in a day or so, ask jokingly if they tried it, and if they say no, suggest you do it together there and then. If they say they have tried it, maybe you will have to use one of the less subtle suggestions voiced here!

[gazzawazza]

Thanks for all the answers, it is a minefield and sft, that was one of the things I was wondering, how to do it, love your suggestion but don't think that's the way(!)

By the way Andy, not being funny, but how did you discover that method?!!!

[andy hughes]

It's just one of those pieces of info. that you pick up, and then impress AB colleagues with! Seriously, I think I read it somewhere - following on from the fact that breathing into your hand and sniffing it is a useless method of detecting odour.

[parkhead]

keep asking them if they have had garlic. This seems an acceptable way of telling someone that they have bad breath as we all know when we eat it we stink.