Bad breath is caused by various reasons and it is important to be aware of them to know how to avoid them. But what happens when someone you are talking to is suffering from bad breath and are unaware of being so? Think about how you would want to be told about your breath. Let that be the thought that runs through your mind when you wish to tell someone of their bad breath.
The thumb rule for telling people about their Bad breath is to have a close and comfortable relationship with them. People have stated that they would hear about their flaws from their close ones rather than their colleague, acquaintance or a distant relative. Along with this factor, another important aspect is to know if their bad breath is temporary (caused by food they consumed earlier, dehydration or post sleep) or if it is a persistent issue.
If the issue is temporary and you are not as close, you can safely know that you don’t have to confide as you won’t meet them again in close proximity soon. If it is temporary and you know the person well, offer them gum or a glass of water as this will either give them a hint or the breath clears out for the time being. Another tactic is to ask that person if they think you have bad breath and this might make them conscious of their breath too. All these methods do not involve direct confiding and thus can be tactfully used when possible.
But when you have to confide to your close ones, be sure to be careful with your choice of words for such statements can cause embarrassment or hurt the other person. Always begin with endearments and be a little hesitant to let them know that you are not saying this to make them feel bad. But be direct in your statement. For instance, “Darling, I hate to do this but I would want someone to point at me when I have it… So, I thought you should know that you have a bad breath now. Do you want Gum or a glass of water?”
Everyone is prone to bad breath if they do not consciously take care of their oral hygiene. Stay healthy and eat healthy. Carry mint or rinse your mouth frequently. Make sure your breath is fresh lest you get told by someone else someday!
