Bad Breath Etiquette

[Anonymous]

After reading this thread I'm starting to think how would any of us find out? Apparently no one has told this poor clueless women. I would be angry with my family and friends for not saying anything.

[Anonymous]

I have a suggestion that will involve an awkward interaction. There is a line of products called TheraBreath - they have a rinse and a gum. I am paranoid about coffee breath so i use it and it basically neutralizes anything in your mouth that could cause breath. It also very clearly says the word BREATH on the packaging. Buy a pack of the gum and offer it to her, but when she refuses, just say - Listen i really want you to have this, take this. Be firm but kind. Godspeed.

[Anonymous]

Maybe there is just nothing she can do ? Brushing and mouth wash aren't enough for her ? I can't imagine soneone just not doing oral hygiene.

[Anonymous]

Tonsils stones could be the culprit. My sister swears by some water machine that helps flush them out. Tongue scraping could help too if she just happens to have a tongue with a high bacteria count.

Though my hunch is that she may have GI issues that are leading to such terrible bad breath. My dad suffered from GORD and once that was under control it went away.

And finally, some meds can cause this like nitrates.

I'd write an anon letter but I would frame it as you or someone close to you suffered similarly and needed it pointed out to them. You know, to soften the blow a bit. Suggest the above causes and remedies but also say that if it is due to medication, she needs to chew gum or suck on Altoids near constantly so her personality can make an impression, not her breath.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:After reading this thread I'm starting to think how would any of us find out? Apparently no one has told this poor clueless women. I would be angry with my family and friends for not saying anything.

OP here, that is how I feel. I would be horrified and mad if no one told me. I am just worried it is a medical thing and don't want to embarrass her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a suggestion that will involve an awkward interaction. There is a line of products called TheraBreath - they have a rinse and a gum. I am paranoid about coffee breath so i use it and it basically neutralizes anything in your mouth that could cause breath. It also very clearly says the word BREATH on the packaging. Buy a pack of the gum and offer it to her, but when she refuses, just say - Listen i really want you to have this, take this. Be firm but kind. Godspeed.

OP here again. I like this one, if I can get up the courage I will, if not the anon letter like the poster a few beneath you suggested, with the kind explanations.

Thanks

[Anonymous]

I am so paranoid about bad breadth. Is there a way to test your own breadth? Why can't we smell it on ourselves like BO?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am so paranoid about bad breadth. Is there a way to test your own breadth? Why can't we smell it on ourselves like BO?

Lick your finger and smell it.

[Anonymous]

OP - come back to let us know how it worked out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does she smoke, drink coffee?

Oh, please! Millions of people drink coffee, and many also smoke, yet children don't cry and call them 'stinky' when being talked to.
OP's acquaintance obviously has a medical issue: tonsil stones, gastroenterological problems (yes, bad breath is sometimes related to digestion) or dental problems. She needs to deal with them, stat.

[Anonymous]

[Anonymous]

I once told a girl, who had cat food breath, that she needed the gum I was offering her and she never spoke to me again.

[Anonymous]

OP, are you doing this to be mean spirited or actually helpful? I am not clear. Are you looking for something/someone to pick on? Are you joining the crowd?

[Anonymous]

For the benefit of the baby boomers, how do you send an anon email?

I use Gmail. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, are you doing this to be mean spirited or actually helpful? I am not clear. Are you looking for something/someone to pick on? Are you joining the crowd?

This is a good question. Which is it OP? If you care to help her, that's one thing. If you are just being judgmental and want to embarress her, that's another.