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AIBU?

Sister has very bad breath (hallitocis)Aibu?

26 replies

SalemShadow · 24/03/2019 18:33

This is honestly not a bitch fest. My ds has the most horrific breath. This has gone on for about 2 years. It's on and off. She did have braces a couple of years ago and saw a hygienist. She has lovely straight teeth now. She is 34. The problem is her breath is so dreadful is smells like poo. I've spoken to my mum and my dh a number of times and said what on earth someone needs to mention this. I can't believe she doesn't realise. She is well presented so I assume she is def brushing her teeth. A couple of nights ago we were on a big night out and my dh told me that he wasn't being bitchy but he was speaking to my sister and her breath was horrendous.He said he thought there was a dirty nappy somewhere. I think this must be a medical condition. He said not to mention it and her dh must do it. Aibu? I don't want people slagging her off behind her back. Someone needs to say

OP posts:

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Widowodiw · 24/03/2019 18:34

Well you are her sister and you haven’t brought this up for 2 years? Really?

neuroticnumpty · 24/03/2019 18:35

I personally would think it kind of someone to tell me if I had bad breath.

Itwouldtakemuchmorethanthis · 24/03/2019 18:35

Well then talk to her about it and stop talking to people behind her back about it!

BettaSplenden · 24/03/2019 18:35

Does she have tonsil stones?

Samind · 24/03/2019 18:35

Smoker? Caffiene? Yeah it's not something id feel comfortable talking to her about either bit you need to say something . Not everyone is aware of bad breath/body odour.

drivingmisspotty · 24/03/2019 18:35

She’s your sister. I think you should be able to do it - in a very concerned gentle way. If she does already know about it and it’s medical she can out you right. If not you might be helping her to get a diagnosis.

hidinginthenightgarden · 24/03/2019 18:35

My Ds(son) is like this when he is dehydrated.
It certainly isn't normal - is how I determine he isn't feeling well some times.

TapasForTwo · 24/03/2019 18:35

DD once had the most horrific breath. It turned out that she had a respiratory infection. Your sister needs to see her dentist and/or her GP to find out the cause.

Kittykat93 · 24/03/2019 18:36

You're her sister, it's up to you or another close family member to tell her. It could be a medical condition or just a case of hygiene, either way it needs mentioning.

Nomorepies · 24/03/2019 18:36

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ on the poster's request.

wheretheydwell · 24/03/2019 18:38

Difficult - I want to say that you should mention it. I agree that something must be going on for it to be that bad. However, in reality, I don't think I would ever be brave enough. She may be very upset. And it may be caused by something she can't help - such as constipation or medication.

FairyMoppings · 24/03/2019 18:40

Are you two close? Maybe you need to be the one that mentions it, but put the emphasis on you being concerned for her health as you're aware bad breath can be the result of a variety of illnesses. Don't go in with "so-and-so, and whats-his-name have all saud how disgusting you smell!" Be sensitive and tactful

TheCraicDealer · 24/03/2019 18:41

Tell her. Luckily I know my very blunt DSis would be quick to tell me if it were me (as would DH!) but honestly it's kinder to tell her and give her the opportunity to do something about it.

It probably is something minor like dehydration, tonsil stones or one of those painless pockets that collect food around your wisdom teeth, but rarely bad breath can be a sign of something more serious. DM is currently getting treatment for throat cancer which had pretty much no symptoms, but in hindsight one of the signs was she did have bad breath.

SalemShadow · 24/03/2019 18:44

Yeah I thought maybe it would be better if mum would say as she is quite sensitive and I am a blunt person so mum could say it in the best possible way. Her breath is disgusting and it's gone on for so long now . I thought her dh would say as I know mine would (he told me my hair had gone dry the other day and needed conditioning). I just want her to sort this issue out as I know people have noticed and I don't want her embarrassed. I honestly don't know what to do. We were out a couple of nights ago and her dh said he could smell poo but didn't know where it was coming from. It's just awful. I'm wondering whether to say something now. I just don't want her feeling s being hurt .

OP posts:

Orchidflower1 · 24/03/2019 18:45

www.healthline.com/health/breath-smells-like-poop#treatment

I think I’d have a chat with your sister.

Orchidflower1 · 24/03/2019 18:46

Sorry posted too soon- I know it may be awkward but just in case she’s poorly. Good luck.

GreatDuckCookery6211 · 24/03/2019 18:48

Why do you think she doesn’t know? Maybe she’s trying to sort it out? I doubt her H hasn’t told her tbh. Sounds like tonsil stones.

HomeTheatreSystem · 24/03/2019 19:02

I very much doubt this is just a matter of her brushing her teeth more regularly. There are dietary/medical conditions linked to this level of halitosis. Bad breath is something you are not likely to be aware of unless someone lets you know or you happen to detect colleagues averting their face as soon as you open your mouth to talk to them! Were she aware of it I am sure she'd have been to the doctor in a heartbeat but she is clearly none the wiser. Someone needs to let her know, tactfully and kindly, that she should see her GP about it. Maybe just say that you've noticed a significant change in her breath recently, you know it might be connected to something other than dental hygiene and maybe she should see the GP about it. Sorry, this is a really sticky situation for you all !

SalemShadow · 24/03/2019 20:13

I've had a word and my mum said she will mention it.

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saraclara · 24/03/2019 20:43

I hate posting this, but my husband's breath smelling of poo turned out to be due to bowel cancer. So she really does need to see a GP. My husband always cleaned his teeth properly, and had never had bad breath before. He was oblivious to the smell.

Of course the cause of your sister's could be completely different. But still, a trip to the GP should come before a trip to the dentist.

Itwouldtakemuchmorethanthis · 24/03/2019 20:45

You had a word with her or with your mum?

Teachtolive · 24/03/2019 22:16

It can also be a sign of an eating disorder. Has she ever suffered from one? Or has she lost a lot of weight recently?

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SalemShadow · 25/03/2019 07:51

She has lost weight recently but not underweight. My mum said she is going to mention today that a few people have noticed and bring it up. I've told her to say she has just noticed. I'm thinking of saying not to bother mentioning as I'm worried it will lead to a big fallout. I am worried it's a medical condition.

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TapasForTwo · 25/03/2019 07:56

Can't she use the tactic of being worried about her health to bring it up?

Has she been low carbing?

TheQueef · 25/03/2019 08:03

Don't say a few people have noticed, she will be mortified if she thinks everyone is talking about it.

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