Dear Dorothy,
There is a colleague at my office who has terrible mouth odour. It is so bad that people avoid speaking to him closely, but no one has told him directly. I feel bad because he is a kind and hardworking person. I would like to help, but I do not know how to tell him without hurting his feelings. How can I do this politely?
Sincerely,
Mary
Dear Mary,
You are thoughtful for wanting to help rather than gossip. Mouth odour, or halitosis, is something many people experience at some point, yet it can be difficult to address because it touches on personal hygiene.
The key is to be honest but kind. Before you speak, ask yourself how you would like to be told if it were you. Then choose a private moment to talk to him quietly. Avoid embarrassing him in front of others.
You might begin gently by saying, “I hope you don’t take this the wrong way, but I’ve noticed your breath sometimes smells strong. I thought I should mention it because I’d want someone to tell me too.” Speak with genuine concern, not judgment.
You could also offer a small gesture, like breath mints or gum, in a light-hearted way if the relationship allows. If you suspect it could be a health issue, encourage him to visit a dentist. Mouth odour is sometimes caused by gum disease, infections, or even stomach problems.
Your approach should be guided by kindness. Done tactfully, your honesty could spare him future embarrassment and even help him discover an underlying issue.
Warm regards,
Dorothy