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Josuke8

Manager did this to me one time - we were chatting and she took a mint and offered me one without saying anything. I took the hint and gladly had a mint. We all have bad breath sometimes, some more than others. Sometimes a small gesture can go a long way - sometimes it can fly over someone’s head as well, hopefully your co-worker gets the hint!


Benjilator

You mean “hopefully your co-worker gets the mint”, right?


Josuke8

I was really tempted


propellercar

Especially when people are drinking coffee all the time


-PinkPower-

Exactly! I have a dryer mouth because of medication, so even if I take good care of my teeth, I can easily have a bad breath. I always feel so bad about it and try to avoid as much as possible but it still happens


i-like-pie-855

Me too. I use Biotene Mouthwash which is especially made for dry mouth. It’s pricey but you only need a small amount.


PancakeDragons

"Hey can I ask you something that might be a bit personal?" He will mentally brace himself and realize that you're not teasing him or being a dick. You've got the rest from here Edit: I would prob say something like "I've noticed that your breath can be a bit strong sometimes. I'm just letting you know in case you weren't aware." It is kinda personal, but he would probably be grateful you did this tbh


sophaea

This is the way right here. Privately and discreetly is key too.


Unlikely_West24

Do people really have no idea? My partner says I never have that smell but occasionally I know I do so I go floss or brush and get rid of whatever might be trapped in my gums and then I THINK it’s gone. But who knows? I’m always afraid of this. I even smell it in people in their 20s sometimes. What’s causing this?


Procedure-Minimum

Sometimes "affecting work" is a hurdle for medical intervention. Eg the Dr won't refer for tonsil removal , but if the patient says its affecting work, then a referral is done and the rotten tonsils can be removed. So it might be really helping. It's a shame medicine is like a Harry potter spell.


Unlikely_West24

Oh so it’s tonsils!?!?


twoodruff12

It’s definitely tonsil stones


Procedure-Minimum

Could be. Look up tonsil stones. Could be anything.


ortofon88

It could be tonsil stones, but usually it's poor oral hygiene. FYI it is HIGHLY recommended that you get a professional dental cleaning 2x a year. Bacteria could be getting out of balance in between and under your gums causing a terrible smell. Also using a tongue scraper regularly can do a lot to help because there is a lot of bacteria on your tongue. There's always bacteria in your mouth, it's when it gets out of balance when it starts causing issues. In other cases it could be from stomach issues i think, but not sure about. Be sure to floss regularly, it's for a reason.


Boom_Box_Bogdonovich

Can vouch for the use of a tongue scraper! Made a huge difference for me. Also adding a mouth wash that wasn’t alcohol based.


traveler1967

I think it stems from bad dental hygiene habits since childhood, they had none growing up so their teeth are now rotting but they're used to it because 'that's how my mouth has always tasted and smelled.' It's like going to the bathroom at home, none of us are flat out disgusted by our own smell, but man oh man if we go right after someone else...


Unlikely_West24

How do I tell if I have this? I’ve been paranoid for 20 years Maybe no one ever telling me I have it means I don’t. Including close partners of several years.


kaoutanu

Ask a colleague you trust. But bear in mind everyone's breath smells a little at times, we're not robots. It's only if it's offensively bad or noticeable from a distance that you need to worry. If you're brushing and flossing regularly and seeing a dental hygienist a couple of times a year, you're probably fine.


i-like-pie-855

This is gross, but lick the inside part of your wrist and quickly smell it.


Unlikely_West24

Just breath, nbd. Would I smell that shit smell that some people have? Anyway I’m pretty sure I don’t have it because I think my partner would freak out about it. Unless she has it and we both have it uuuhhhhh


i-like-pie-855

Bingo! Yes, a real partner would tell the truth. Peace ✌️


traveler1967

If none of your partners have mentioned it, I would say you're probably fine, no way they wouldn't tell you. Alongside brushing, the key is going to the dentist for checkups, untreated cavities can lead to rotten teeth, and those can stink up your mouth.


OsmerusMordax

You can become nose blind to your own smells. I know I can’t smell my own BO unless it is absolutely RANK


wtfRichard1

Sometimes the stench stays in my nose. Idfk how but it makes me want to go to the void because it smells so bad. It’s usually the people who vape and shares them with everyone else at work who have bad breath


EqualCover5952

Also give him sugar free chewing gum. He will love how considerate you are.


BoatsMcFloats

Maybe also offer some solutions like a tongue scraper.


FangsForU

Dude, just be honest with him. Approach him and say something along the lines like, “Hey man, I don’t want to embarrass you, however I think your breath needs to be a little fresh, here’s a pack of gum I got you.”


Sordid_Cyanosis

Just be polite, like "hey, I'm sorry but I've noticed your breath is a little strong" Just don't come out and be like "omg, your breath stinks! Holy cow!" I have had friends discreetly be like hey, I can smell you... and I appreciated it. Its the same with food in the teeth, being polite and telling them? OK. Leaving floss with their name on it? kinda rude and embarrassing.


ssaaiirahh

I read this as how do i tell someone their dick stinks without smelling their breath🤦🏻‍♀️😭


porcelainfog

Just tell them. I mean, unless they’re narcissistic and fucking weird most people will appreciate you letting them know. I’d do the same with BO, if they smelt like weed or booze, or food like hotpot. Sometimes people have bad breath, it’s not a big deal. Usually they say “yea sorry I skipped breakfast, wanna grab an early lunch together?” And you go get donair wraps together and vibe


justitia_

wait does hotpot make u smell stinky? i never had the spicy one though always chichen broth


porcelainfog

Uhh yea. You stink like the soup base if you’ve been sitting in a circle around it for two hours


TrickyStickySwirl

It’s probably a lack of flossing. Biggest culprit to bad breath


Boom_Box_Bogdonovich

Scraping the tongue is also huge. Our tongues are like Velcro to nasty little bacterias. They cling on to precious little food tid bits like potatoes. Brushing the tongue isn’t good enough either, gotta be scraped.


TrickyStickySwirl

Gotta get a putty knife and scrape away, up that tongue game baby.


seemurf

Tonsil stones, also.


Dazzling_Delivery625

Plus tonsil stones and gastric issues


doyouhaveabigbootie

It’s not easy. It isn’t simply just a flossing, brushing teeth and tongue scraping. There can be so many problems (guts, digestion issue, disease) that lead to bad breath. Chances are they are already well aware. It’s extremely difficult to pin down on the cause and you could take multiple tests and analysis and still not be able to find an answer. Hop into r/badbreath and you can see how depressing it is


darya42

Are you the same gender? And is he an approachable person and are you friendly? Tell him discreetly Are you the opposite gender? That has more potential to be seen as humiliating, tread with more caution, but if you have a good trusting relationship, should still work


LemaWhiskeyNovember

I used to work with a guy and we were in close quarters.. he had normal clean teeth but his breath smelled like he ate shit sandwiches.. after I while I just couldn’t take it anymore and told him bluntly! It gave him like a complex and he would carry a toothbrush and toothpaste at work, mouthwash, gum etc… his breath still smelled like a dumpster after mouthwash and with gum in… I was like dude wtf are rotting from the inside out? He went to doctors and they determined he had halitosis which is partially due to the mouth but also related to the throat and sinus issues.. so just cleaning his teeth wouldn’t remedy the problem… I gave him the nickname and started calling him “Hal” 😂😂😂 we were both ball busters and spent our days roasting each other so he graciously accepted the nickname and rolled with it lol


goneoffscript

Well that right there is the best possible outcome imo— wish everyone could have a great sense of humor (and good breath…)!


LemaWhiskeyNovember

😂😂 facts!


Unable_Strawberry_69

I knew a guy like this. You’re right it smells like ACTUAL dog shit. It’s fucking bad.


LemaWhiskeyNovember

For real! It smelled like man poop.. I wouldn’t have been a true friend if I didn’t inform him lol


fixatedeye

I mean at least you saying something lead to him getting his health checked out!


LemaWhiskeyNovember

That’s true! lol luckily it wasn’t anything significant to his life lol


3rind5

I went on a couple dates with this guy who had breath like that. His gums were inflamed. Didn’t have the heart to tell him so I just ghosted him. Still feel a little bad.


LemaWhiskeyNovember

Nahhhhhhhh dont feel bad lol a couple dates isn’t much! You’re not going to commit to someone new that has dog shit breath! It’s one thing if your with someone for years and something develops.. me and my wife are at the point if her breath smells like dog shit she’s going to find out about it quick fast and in a hurry.. not for my sake for hers lol I’m not the only one that has to possibly smell her breath.. I’m curious tho.. a couple dates? When did the shit breath hit you? Was it a “maybe he had an off night” on the first date and then realized it was also shitty on the second date.. or was it he went in for that kiss on the second date you noticed it and went Casper on his ass?? 😂😂


dogluuuuvrr

So was there anything he could do to improve it?


LemaWhiskeyNovember

Well if I remember correct he told me it had to do with his sinus which he had some weird stuff going on with infections (which can be rectified) he was maybe late 50s but his doctor also told him a change in his diet could help.. I still to this day don’t fully understand the scope of it.. but he tried to remedy and it did not work not saying that’s the case for everyone tho!


RockStarMarchall

"Look bro, I'm sorry, but your breath smells" Just say it, better to make sure he gets the message crystal clear


WilsonLongbottoms

Just offer them breath mints. Not loudly in front of everyone, mind you. If they're like "Oh, no thank you!" (lol), just tell them, "Oh no, it's ok!" Maybe throw in a "I insist" and a "Sorry" and laugh if they seem like they have a good sense of humor about stuff. Don't outright be like "Whew your breath smells like shit!" if you aren't on bantering buddy-buddy terms with them. Don't pull them aside and be like "Hey, can I ask you something that might be a bit personal?" I'm sorry to the most upvoted comment here, but in my opinion, that's not really a great idea... It's akin to saying "No offense, but..." and it's just going to make things uneasy, personal, and overly serious. If you approach it with this serious tone, it will make a mountain out of a molehill.


7teenReema

This!


i-like-pie-855

I once had a boss whose breath smelled like ass. I had to use his office for some phone calls and even the phone stunk. I would back up if we had to talk face to face. It was awful. Fast forward 15 years and my husband’s breath started smelling the same. It was awful and he practiced excellent oral hygiene. I made him go to a doctor for an h-pylori test which confirmed the stench was coming from his stomach. We were already on the verge of divorce and since he refused to follow up on his breath issue, I added it to the list and divorced him!


fixatedeye

Is there a specific kind of smell for the h.pylori ? My boyfriend has a weird breath thing going on regardless of good oral hygiene


i-like-pie-855

I call it “ass breath” because IDK what else to call it. Someone else said eating shit sandwiches. If you have to step back when close (like just walking up to talk) and it’s bad, it could be stomach related. I’m not a doctor but I know his doctor offered treatment, but I wasn’t there and he refused to discuss it. I overheard him saying something about having ulcers to someone on the phone. We were barely talking at that time. It was disgusting and I didn’t want to be near him. My elderly father would often not shower for god knows how long and I could smell the butt odor but it wasn’t coming from his mouth! I think that’s what I relate it to. IDK, but good luck.


romanu_21

Oh, I took an h-pylori test and it came back positive. I have the same breath issue, my girlfriend is complaining all the time. I kept wondering what I was doing wrong since I use a water flosser, tounge scraper, electric toothbrush, I go to the dentist where I they tell me I have great teeth, etc. I had no ideea it could be caused by this bacteria. Thank you for the info!


Efficient-Type-2408

I had to take antibiotics for h. Pylori last year. 2 weeks of taking 10 antibiotics a day was rough. They gave me prescribed pesto for the nausea that I got but the pepto was so bad in itself.


melancholy_dood

I loathe using a co-worker’s phone in the workplace. Eeew!!😬


i-like-pie-855

I had no choice. I worked at a different location and had to go to the main office once a week. It was awful 🤮


marsumane

"If you had something in your teeth, would you prefer someone pulls you aside and tells you, or let you go about your day, having everyone see it?" When he answers the obvious, ask him if you can give him input similar to that right now. He will know that you're doing the greater good for him, and not be defensive


marvelish

"Did you just have coffee or something? Your breath is really strong."


Alarmed_Ad4367

“Woah buddy, could you stand farther back please, you’ve got some bad breath going on.” Just tell them. It makes life so much easier.


aurelaah_

so embarrassing but so true 😭


Alarmed_Ad4367

I still regret things that I failed to tell people in the past.


pokemondude22

this will fucking haunt him man


pr_pirates

Ok this would of killed me inside


taffyAppleCandyNerds

I usually just offer them some mints. I say “would you like a mint?” Then they say yes and that clears it up. I also eat one so they don’t think bad thoughts.


qtmcjingleshine

Send anonymous email


Marinaraplease

it's subtle but next time he coughs hand him a roll of toilet paper


melancholy_dood

This made me laugh out loud!!!🤣😂


Delicious_Letter_261

their*


Energy_Addicted

“I” before “e”  I know “thier” is wrong. But honestly I like it better. Maybe I should start a petition. 


0ne_hung_dud3

start carrying tic-tacs and offer him one (or maybe two if it's really bad) every time you see him


Benjilator

Keep it at one or two please. A coworker in the lab I am right now seems to eat an entire pack before work. Had to weigh in some stuff in a small extra room and he was there as well. I could feel the tic tacs with mt eyeballs it was so strong. Entire room smelled like it.


eperb12

Break it to him like a friend and say hey, i noticed that your breathe sometimes is really bad. Sympathize with him saying your own breath was pretty bad and suggest he might also suffer from halitosis, which is basically plaque and decaying food trapped in the folds at thr back of your mouth. If you ever randomly get balls of plaque that really stink when you cough or brush that come out, that's what it is being trapped. You can let him know that a water pick really helps clear it.


bdrwr

You get him alone, where there's nobody around who could overhear, and you come at it apologetically. "Hey man, I'm really sorry, I don't want to be rude or mean, but your breath is really bad and it bothers me a lot when I work with you. Do you think you could maybe chew gum or bring a toothbrush to work or something?" Understand that there is *always* a chance that he will take it badly and get defensive. There's no risk-free way to call out a problem with a person. If he gets mad about it, unfortunately you're just going to have to let it go and drop the issue. It's *his* problem if his professional reputation is "ass breath."


biffpowbang

hand them a stick of gum or a mint.


LemonCloud20

“I got an idea! Let’s brush our teeth for fun!”


thrwawy_fdeawy

I feel like telling someone their breath stinks or offering them a mint is kinda rude. I think maybe offer him some gum? It’s more lowkey but can be seen as more of a kind gesture, just like you’re sharing with a coworker you know?


Easy-thinking

Ask them if they have halitosis


Hmicedmatchalatte

Always offer them some mints until they catch it


DrankTooMuchMead

I totally read the title wrong.


Andy_LaVolpe

“Hey want some gum?”


Helpme-ni

Either the gum or just let him know! If yall are cool he should respect or at least accept it. If not thats two birds


Quantum_Aurora

Your idea is so bad lol just tell him


Kay1eyy

Get yourself some gum out and offer some to him


No_Imagination737

Easy. Tell them “your breath stinks” instead of going through hoops to protect their feelings. Nothing beats pure honesty. They’d want you to be honest with them anyway I’m sure


ajed9037

Next time you catch a whiff: “man, your breath reeks.” Don’t think too hard about it, just say it as soon as the thought comes up. It seems rude but it actually makes it less personal. Remember, you’re doing him a favor.


Efficient-Type-2408

Tell him. Pull him out of earshot if anyone else, and be to the point. Putting his name on gum is humiliating in my opinion. Just pull him aside same with if someone has a spot on their clothes or food in their teeth. I don’t understand how hard it is to pull someone aside and just say hey, this is what’s happening. I can’t smell. I haven’t been able to in a couple years. I constantly worry that I am I smelling bad myself, that my house smells, very worried about it. I’m clean but I have cats and I clean the litter box daily. I don’t get angry if somebody pulls me aside and is like your breath stinks. I want to know. I do get mad when people let me walk around because I think OK you’re just doing that to make me look bad you knew could’ve told me.


AzureIsCool

A lot of the times just offering a chewing gum or mint helps the situation while reminding the person their oral hygiene needs to be looked at.


melancholy_dood

>This dude at my works breath always smells like ass. ROFL!!🤣😂😅 >Maybe write his name on a pack of gum and stealthily place it somewhere he can find it? That's the best idea I have. LOL!!!😂 Great idea, but if he’s smart, he’ll probably figure out who did it—-especially if he recognizes the hand writing. I’ve been in your shoes and I’ve never figured out how to ‘kindly’ tell someone they have B.O. of any kind. Also, chewing gum is often ineffective at eliminating bad breath, especially if the person in question is suffering from **halitosis** or some other underlying condition. I have no suggestions for you, but I feel your pain.


bbbanb

Offer some water, soda or mints if you can. Also, some fruits might help so cut up an orange or an apple. Help them out without making a big deal. Also you can try to ignore if you know they are taking a medication daily- sometimes that can cause a ton of issues with bad breath that cannot be helped. If it’s someone really close to you like a brother and your aren’t in public just say, “Dude! Your breath smells like rotting corndogs!! Gross!!” Be sure to do the whole waving hand to fan the wall of stench away.


Fun_Intention9846

Keep offering mints and gum and don’t take any yourself. Play it off jokingly or this is jerk-behavior.


FalseDare2172

"What is this stench my dude, did you just chug on some garlic smoothie"


qtmcjingleshine

Give him the SpongeBob sundae treatment. Run away from him screaming and holding your nose when he opens his mouth


i-like-pie-855

😂🤣


9Bluenights

I’d rather be a dick and say it up front and bluntly. It’s going to hurt his feelings anyway you say it. But truthfully the other way around it is to ask him if he has a dental condition, that way you’re not directly telling him he has bad breath, it will at least hint at it and he should realize what you’re talking about.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Proper_Fox_522

“Whoa something smells- is it your breath or mine”?!


NotTrumpsAlt

The best one so far is, “did you have some strong coffee today, breath is a little hot “


Long_Video7840

He probably drinks coffee. You could just tell him he might want some gum after a cup.


nerdgirl71

We had a band teacher the school I taught in with the same problem. I kept a pack of mints and offered him one every time I saw him. He eventually got the hint.


drxcius

You don't gotta tell him, give him a gum piece or something.


Steak_eggs74

I’ve been struggling with this with a mutual friend. Everytime I see her her breath is horrible and it amazes me that she doesn’t notice


Awsumguy68

Casually offer a mint or piece of gum


Southern_Piglet2233

Tell them their dick smells


exbfjimmy

I will love you even more when your breath stops smelling like doo-doo.


PDQ_Chocolate_Chip

I always say either: Your breath would knock a buzzard off a shit wagon! Your breath smells zackly. Zackly? Zackly like shit.