how would you tell a person that he/she has BAD BREATH?
By jHoEn16
@jHoEn16 (2043)
Australia
August 3, 2007 6:46am CST
there are people that eventhough they brush thier teeth many times, still it smells bad... and there are people that didnt brush thier teeth thats why it smells bad
now... how would you tell them that they had bad breath in a way that you wont embarrased them or they wont get offended?
2 people like this
16 responses
@ayris77 (1301)
• Malaysia
5 Aug 07
I mean we use our body sign,such as we press our nose by using out fingers infront of he/her! if not, we can use other body sign,that show us not really like he/her bad breath!That's up to you to show he/her that he/she must brush he/her tooth and gargle he/her mouth!
@raijin (10345)
• Philippines
3 Aug 07
This is as the same as trying to figure out how to tell someone that they have body odor, very hard to deal with. But since you ask for advice, might as well give you some piece of my thoughts about this matter..
I'd start by saying things that somehow would relate to what the person's predicament is all about, in case they don't know, I'll say that at times where it could probably be appropriate.
For example, we are currently having conversations during the time we have taken lunch or something like that. I'd excuse myself to let her/him know that I have to brush my teeth. I think that wouldn't be offending for the person's sake because I said at times where it is needed, a little reminder to say the least!;)
Try to say it nicely, not vulgar but in a more pleasant approach..
@wisedragon (2325)
• Philippines
4 Aug 07
Simple -- for their birthday or Christmas you can give them a year's supply of Listerine or some other mouth wash. I'm pretty sure they'll get the message.
@raychill (6525)
• United States
3 Aug 07
The best is always to just carry around some gum or mints and ask them if they'd like one as someone else suggested. If they turn you down...don't just ask "are you sure" tell them how good it tastes or something. Tell them it's a new flavor and you think they should try it. Or tell them it tastes like...something and you just can't figure out what...'try it? help me figure it out?' or Figure out if they like gum or mints and what flavor is their favorite and get that next time. then they shouldn't turn you down.
Also just say... nicely that they should try some gum or something. Hint to them that their breath smells if push comes to shove just do it nicely.
@SuckerUpper (468)
• United States
4 Aug 07
Usually when someone I know has bad breath I know something that they have eaten earlier and I try to use that as a reason for the bad breath like "Those doritos you had, made your breathe smell a little bad". I think as long as you are honest it's okay. People will get embarassed, but I think they would rather know than not... I know I would.
@SuckerUpper (468)
• United States
5 Aug 07
It's easier when there is a group of people, then you can just say that someone has bad breathe, that way the person will be aware, and wont feel embarassed or singled out since it really could be anybody...
@sudiptacallingu (10879)
• India
3 Aug 07
This is a tricky one, to which even I would like to have a satisfactory answer. Perfectly well-dressed and well-mannered people have such bad breath, you would actually want to run miles from them, but you actually cant. They are important (in many cases) and you wouldn’t want to offend them. Also they may be senior to you in age and position, so you cant actually offer them mint gum. Guess, you just have to tolerate them! In my case, I always carry some cloves and cinnamon with me and put some in my mouth after meals.
@babystar1 (4233)
• United States
4 Aug 07
If I no who the person is I would say to them, would you like to have a breath mint your breath smells. I think the person would be happy to let them no if he or she has bad breath.
Now if it was a person that you dont really no to good I would not say anything. I would just stay away as far as I can.
@lucy67 (819)
• China
3 Aug 07
i think it's hard for me to tell them the truth without hurting them. so i won't tell them the truth though i may feel awful when i have to be close to them. i can leave it to their family members because i think it won't hurt them so much if their family members tell them the truth. it's easy for the family members to find their bad breath because they are always close to them.
@youless (112497)
• Guangzhou, China
3 Aug 07
Well, I have to say that it's not easy to say it. So you have to do it indirectly. I learned it from others. You can offer a chewing gum to the person who has a bad breath. Then he/she will understand it and it will be less embarrassing.
@lavenderbloom (1057)
• United Arab Emirates
3 Aug 07
It is indeed a difficult situation. But, we feel that we should give a hint to that particular person. So, what we can do is we should use the mouth freshner ourselves to make them check if they need it. I cannot say this to anyone directly unless the person is close to me. If the person is really close to me and I care about the person, then I will definitely tell the person and also give the solution to it. I will also tell that I care for him or her and so I said and that there are many people who face this problem. I will try my best not to make the other person feel offended.
@tanyaschuetz (44)
• United States
3 Aug 07
If the person is my friend I would just straight out say" did u brush your teeth today" My friends wouldn't trip they know how I am. If it was just someone I dont really know i probley wouldn't say anything.
@raijin (10345)
• Philippines
3 Aug 07
This is as the same as trying to figure out how to tell someone that they have body odor, very hard to deal with. But since you ask for advice, might as well give you some piece of my thoughts about this matter..
I'd start by saying things that somehow would relate to what the person's predicament is all about, in case they don't know, I'll say that at times where it could probably be appropriate.
For example, we are currently having conversations during the time we have taken lunch or something like that. I'd excuse myself to let her/him know that I have to brush my teeth. I think that wouldn't be offending for the person's sake because I said at times where it is needed, a little reminder to say the least!;)