Q&A for How to Tell Someone They Have Bad Breath

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Is there a nice way to tell someone their breath smells bad?

Tami Claytor
Etiquette Coach
Tami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification.

Tami Claytor

Etiquette Coach

Expert Answer

Carry a mint with you and offer it to that person. If you're extremely close friends, you can also say something like, "I'm not sure if you know this, but your breath is kind of strong today, and I wouldn't want anyone else to say anything to you about it."

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Question

How do I tell my boyfriend he has bad breath?

Community Answer

Use all the suggestions in the article; a boyfriend is no different than anybody else. Just be kind and honest.

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Question

My breath smells, even when I'm far away from the other person. What's the cause?

Tom De Backer

Top Answerer

It can be any number of things. Ulcers, indigestion, any gastrointestinal ailment. If you're not brushing your teeth frequently enough or properly, or your oral flora is off balance. Maybe you love garlic. If you want to do something about it, try the quick wins first: brush at least twice a day, carry lots of mints, and use mouthwash. If that doesn't help, see a dentist or doctor for advice.

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Question

She still doesn't get it. Now what?

Community Answer

In this case you just have to be completely honest and blunt. Tell her privately that she has bad breath, and suggest ways that she can fix it.

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Question

Her breath is very bad, but she doesn't want to believe me. What should I do?

Community Answer

If she truly doesn't believe you and her breath is really bothering you, try getting someone else to agree with you, preferably someone with authority (like a parent, a teacher, a boss, etc.). Try to be sensitive, though.

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Question

I have a bad breath problem since childhood I brush twice daily and use mouthwash, which works for a little while but it begins shortly after. What can I do?

Community Answer

Definitely see a dentist. It may be that you have gum or tooth root problems that started in childhood and need to be fixed to stop the bad breath. Since it's never going away despite your good hygiene practices, there is likely a deeper issue, so book that appointment or, if you cannot afford it, go on a waitlist for seeing someone at a trainee dental hospital.

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Question

My very sensitive friend's breath reeks. How should I tell him nicely?

Community Answer

Just use the suggestions in the article. But if you want to tell him verbally, just talk to him privately and be nice about it. Be sensitive and kindly tell him what his problem is and perhaps suggest some ways he can fix it.

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Question

I frequently work with a student who has bad breath, and I can no longer bear it. Would it be wrong for a teacher to break this to a student?

Community Answer

Offer them a breath mint. If they decline, place the mint nearby and say something like, "I'll just leave it here in case you change your mind. It's good to have fresh breath."

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