I really need help with this. Two of my friends have bad breath and I just can’t think of a good way to broach this in a way that’s going to be constructive. And for anyone who’s thinking of saying “just offer them a breath mint” it’s waaaaaaaaay beyond that - one of them has the kind of breath you expect to come out of a dog’s mouth, I’m not joking. The worst is going to the cinema with them; sitting next to them and breathing in what they breath out is sometimes enough to make me gag.
Since these people are your friends, it makes it easy.
“As your friend, it’s important to me that we’re always able to say the things that are hard to say, because that’s what real friends do for each other. I’m not comfortable mentioning this, though if it were me, I’d certainly want someone to say something. I don’t know if you’re aware - and it’s not unusual to not be - but sometimes your breath is quite noticeable. I read somewhere that this can be the result of being under stress, so I’m wondering if there’s anything you might want to talk about.”
I made up the stress thing (although it could be true!) - it’s just an opener for your friend(s) to go “OMG! Really?!? No, nothing I can think of…” which can lead to a discussion about maybe visiting the dentist or whatever. (That, or a surgeon to remove the dead rotting skunk in the back of their throat.)
“No offense, but your breath could knock a buzzard off a shit wagon…”
OK, not original with me, and probably not appropriate in the least.
And I don’t think there’s any easy way to do it. Just something like “As your friend, I think you need to know - your breath is really bad. I’d hate for something like this to affect you professionally or socially, so I had to tell you.” Maybe something herecan help you approach him.
Not in words. Carry breath mints and offer them one. There is an old saying, “If someone offers you a breath mint take it”. Hint, hint.
If people are always offering you breath mints and gum do the world a favor and make a dental appointment. It could also be a hygiene, diet or medical problem. I know a guy that his garlic breath literally makes you take a step back.
Seems the problem is way beyond Tic Tacs and chewing gum.
As Illuminatiprimus has suggested it’s “more what you expect to come out of a dog’s mouth” and since my dog has no “dog breath” thanks to charcoal biscuits, maybe *that’s *the solution. The ‘bone’ shape of them seems the least offensive thing in the scenario, really. And only six bucks for 15 of them - movie snacks!!
Sorry, I think this is the completely wrong approach. When I have a mint I typically offer because I’m polite. The breath mint tactic is so passive aggressive, it drives me nuts. If you’re friends, any kind of awkward attempt will work. “Dude, I don’t know how to say this without getting embarrassed, but your breath can be really strong at times. Have you tried Altoids?”
I know sometimes my breath is kickin’… if I was unaware I’d want it pointed out to me.
I think the breath mint thing could work, but you have to do it right. “Would you like a breath mint?” “No thanks.” “I think I phrased that wrong - have a breath mint.”
I don’t know how to really explain it, but for some reason, this coming from a friend would mortify me. For some impossible to explain reason, it is better if my friend says, “OMG, Your breath is KICKING! Goddamn it!”
There is a problem with telling someone their breath stinks. The problem is, you gotta be sure you aren’t in the same position first, or it is going to get meta-awkward real fast. If were a smoker, I would hesitate long and hard and brace myself before I tell anyone their breath stinks, even if their breath reeks of rotting carrion flesh.
I’m just concerned that this thread came along two days before **Brynda **posted about how **Illuminatiprimus **escorted her and her friend around London for two days. Coincidence? I hope so!
It must be pretty awful if you can smell it just sitting next to them at the theater. The only time bad breath has bothered me is if I am getting intimate with someone, in which case I will insist (in the politest way possible, but I do insist) that they brush their teeth and/or use some mouthwash before we continue.
I’d want a friend to tell it to me as it is, if necessary. That’s what friends are there for.
If your friends are keen on gadgets you could give you one of these or these. I use the HC-201 at junctures when it is tactically indicated and it seems to be accurate enough - at least consuming onions or garlic, or not having brushed your teeth the evening before, yields the results that should be expected on the display.
I once had to tell my brother “you need to wash your teeth.”
“Really? Is it that bad?”
“I’d call it dog breath, only I can’t recall ever meeting a dog whose breath smelled so bad.”
“Sorry! I have a sore throat so I haven’t been washing…”
“I’m going to unearth Dad, then I’m going to revive him, then I’m going to kill both him and Mom, and then I’m going to spank you from here to Chile with a paddle made of toothpaste tubes. Washing your teeth and using mouthwash usually helps with throat infections!”
