Whats the best way to tell a coworker that they have really bad breath?!


Question: Ok like really bad breath & have to deal with it all day.
Should I just flat out tell them?
Leave a bottle of Mouthwash on there desk?
Sneak some mints in there coffee?
Any other suggestions greatly appreciated.


Answers: Ok like really bad breath & have to deal with it all day.
Should I just flat out tell them?
Leave a bottle of Mouthwash on there desk?
Sneak some mints in there coffee?
Any other suggestions greatly appreciated.

My mum always says you can say whatever you want to somebody, but how you say it will be the deciding factor in the person's reaction.

If you are a bit of a shy person, try the subtle, and friendly approach. My friends and I always share mints and gum and whatever, and it's just a friendly gesture. Just get a pack of mints or gum with you everyday, pop one (or a couple if its mints) in your mouth, then offer that person some. Let's put it this way, they won't be offended, and I'll bet they'll be happy.
If you want to be more blunt, act like the concerned coworker you are. ;) Say something along the lines of "I noticed your breath is a little stale lately...I had a problem with that too, maybe you should see your dentist. He/she could fix it right up." You know, be sensitive and nice. Don't be like "damn it man! Your breath stinks! Swallow a bottle of mouthwash won't you!!!"

And under no circumstances will you do that, unless you want HR on your behind. I also don't suggest leaving anonymous mints/gum on that person's desk because he could get the wrong message. (Valentine's Day is nearing....) Don't put mouthwash either, cos he'll be truly offended and like go on an angry rampage. (No, but he will be suspicious of a lot of people...including you.)

Good luck with that.

maybe offer them a piece of gum

You should NICELY tell them, I don't know which sex they are so, Sir, I didn't want you to embarrass your self in front of other workers, But you have bad breath, So here I'm gonna give you free mouthwash and mints :), That worked with me.

Interoffice gum or breath mints anonymously!

Offer him/her mint everytime he/she comes to talk to you. This should get the message across. If you don't wanna be rude, pop one in your mouth as well, everytime you offer :)

Tell him kindley that he needs to visit the dentist, because you noticed little bad breath.

Just tell them. People have done it 2 me

When they get really really close to you, back up plugging your nose and say: "I'm sorry dude, but your breath stinks!"

i thought you said bad teeth lol..

I find i get like really angry if i'm around someone who smells bad and i cant move, or they're standing near me. I'd say flat-out tell them, but not infront of people. Just tell them when you're alone with them.

tell them straight and he/she will get angery but take it to heart and fix it.

good luck!

As tick tac ads used to say offer a tic tac. It is the easiest most polite way to help freshen a person's breath. No one usually turns down a tic tac. Get the light green ones and offer some or offer a pack (say u have so many or something) to that person.
Also start a conversation about how many times they brush their teeth a day. Say that you went in for a cleaning recently and the dental hygienist told you that you should be brushing 2 times a day for 2 mins each time (you will be shocked at how many people only brush once a day OR not even daily!). This could help promote the person to take better care of their mouth.





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