Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
If it's once in a while, I would say "Hey, you could use a mint this morning". If it's chronically bad, then I'd go for the kind but honest. Something like, "I'm sure you're not aware, but if it were me I'd want to know, when you don't brush your teeth in the morning your breath can be pretty awful." He will probably get either defensive or hurt, so be prepared with a further explanation as to why you had to say something, like " I know that can be a real turn-off for the ladies, so just a word to the wise, right?" or " I know you wouldn't want to offend people and most people won't tell you, they'd just get away as fast as possible."
How should I go about talking to my roommate about his horrible breath?
My theory is that the root of the problem is that he only brushes his teeth once a day.
Why is your roommate getting close enough to you that you can smell his breath that easily?
Is he a romantic partner?
He may have other issues that he is aware of but won't take care of or unknown issues.
Bad breath is not only caused by not brushing often. There are numerous things that can cause bad breath. Some of them is related to not brushing and flossing but others are actual medical issues.
Also, how do you know he only brushes his teeth once a day.
You seem to know a lot about what you "roommate" does or does not do when these are things that should be done alone in private in the bathroom.
This. Short, to the point, and overall, a kindness. Bad breath is one of those things that can hold a person back in life, without them having a clue as to why. Tell him.
First of all, make sure you yourself don't also have bad breath before telling the roommate that they do. Suggest they grab the Binaca spray or a breath mint on occasion. Maybe also say "I know people at work that have it worse, so don't feel bad (if true). It is fairly common"
If you feel they might have a problem, you might add some humor. "I knew you weren't perfect after all..aside from the bad breath."
Now in cases where roommates are on different schedules and have little interaction and don't even eat together much, I might just let it pass. I am assuming there is frequent interaction/conversation.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
geez...
