To tell someone?

[lulabaloo]

They have really bad breath?
I feel awful writing this but need advice on how to approach the subject. The past few months when my dad has met up with us he has had really bad breath and we can smell it from across the table.
It seems to be getting worse, as we grew up i always remember my mum saying he only brushes his teeth before he goes to bed so i presume that is still the case.
Next week we are meeting a couple of long lost family members we have only met once, so this will be an intimate lunch, i feel i need to speak to my dad before this, but how and what do i say, i feel awful even thinking it.

Can your mom broach it, if you’re finding it hard? Personally I would probably just be matter of fact and cheerful about it... any tiptoeing in raising it will probably just compound the awkwardness

Mum and dad split up years ago, dad is on his own. Yes I'm not very good at that, i was thinking more of sending a text or is that me chickening out 😫

I think I’d go armed with strong mints and say jovially ‘oo not brushed your teeth this morning dad?! Better have a mint then’

Unlikely to be teeth brushing. Could have gum disease in which case he needs a dentist/hygienist, could have a medical problem like stomach issues so needs a doctor. Either way just telling him his breath smells would just cause upset. If you have a rela concern that needs to be your approach. If you just find it offensive, you will offend him. A text in this circumstance would be doubly offensive, I would be furious

Could be a gut problem - my step dad had awful bad breath and he was eating too much sugar.

Normally, I'd say don't say anything. But your dad? Yes, you absolutely can and should, esp if he's single (and doesn't have anyone else).

Do it straight, and with love.

Dad, you need to know this: Sometimes your breath doesn't smell good, and I'm worried other people will notice

Suggest a dentist appointment to rule out anything health-wise. A hygienist can help him with the best ways to brush his teeth/floss etc. Have mints with you in case he's embarrassed and leave a pack with him.

Thanks freshlywashed i think i will say something along them lines. He drinks a lot of tea and he doesn't brush his teeth regularly. I do ask if he has been the dentist lately, last time was a few years ago. I'm just going to have to bite the bullet and tell him, I'd hate to think people are talking about him.