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My friend has chronic bad breath. Should I tell her?

It is not merely from just eating onions. I believe there may be some other health problem as it never seems to go away. How do you tell someone nicely that they may have a bad breath problem?
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gno
gno
November 02, 2009 02:06 AM
Okay, here's one approach, and it's the best I can think of!

Each time you notice her breath is bad, offer her some gum. Insist she take a piece. Do this over and over for a couple weeks at least.

Then after a while, say to her "Boy, I notice you're chewing gum all the time to freshen your breath. Are you ever worried that it could be a sign of a health problem? I just read about how chronic bad breath could be a sign of....blah, blah, blah".

And if she asks you, "IS my breath really that bad?", reply, "Well, I've smelled better."

It'll be awkward, but it'll be honest and hopefully a little gentle.
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jillbeth
jillbeth
November 02, 2009 11:52 AM
It can be difficult to approach people when they have odor problems but you can do it tactfully. You might say something like, "I don't mean to offend you, but you may not realize how bad your breath is. I'm concerned because sometimes that can indicate a health problem, and it worries me that you might be ill and not know it." Use a gentle tone of voice when you bring up the subject, don't make it sound like a harsh criticism.

She may be a bit offended, but sometimes we have to gently hurt people for their own good. If your friend is a reasonable person, she'll take your comment in the manner it was intended, not an insult but as the thoughts of a friend who cares about her welfare.
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roclvpt
roclvpt
November 02, 2009 08:04 PM
You should tell him/her. If it was the other way around wouldn't you like to know? How would you feel if people were saying behind your back that you are such a nice person but you breathe stinks? What if this prevented you from getting a job? If you really care about your friend you should sit him/her down and explain that you have to tell them something that is going to hurt their feelings but that you genuinely care for their well being. Next tell them what you have observed and then recommend that they get some professional help as you think it can be a medical problem.

If this person truly cares for you only they would understand and thank you for telling them.
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srgothard
srgothard
November 05, 2009 07:08 PM
I used to have chronic bad breath. The simple solution for me (besides more consistency with Listerine) was tongue scraper. My dentist told me that almost all bad breath is from the tongue. Be honest with your friend and then get him/her a tongue scraper. It takes a little adjustment to get used to, but it's quick and very effective. Your friend probably doesn't have a health problem, just a very sticky tongue. :)
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