Bad breath - how would you tell some one?

[lilibet]

It's my mum, and I really don't know what to do/say. She is 76 and has all false teeth, which she soaks every night, but her breath is not nice at all. I don't like the idea of other people not wanting to be close to her because of it, but really can't face telling her.

Help??

Maybe just ask her if she's eaten anything unusual/different as her breath is a little strong smelling - maybe it'll make her a bit more aware of her breath and she'll check it more often..? Tough one though, but surely she'd rather hear it from ehr daughter than a rude stranger. It's never nice to hear, but I'd rather I was told. HTH

I agree with Bibiboo, better to be told. If she has false teeth then it must be something in her diet?

This is such a difficult one! Years ago before i met dh i had some 'male interest' from a bloke (funny that!) who was probably everything a woman could wish for BUT blimey did his breath smell. Hence nothing happened between us....i'd even have to wind the window down in the car it was that gross. Anyway, that doesn't really help you with your problem!! I chickened out and did'nt say anything even when he was continually asking me why he never had a partner! However, if it was my mother i think i'd have to say something, maybe she has an infection in her gum or an absess? i'm sure if this was the case and the doctor/dentist found this then she'd be pleased that you said something. Good luck

Of course you should tell her!

If you are uncomfortable jsut coming straight out with it, why not do something roundabout, like offering her some mints and asking about her digestion? Bad breath isn't necessarily a sign of poor oral hygiene, it can indicate illness too. I imagine that even someone without any teeth could get gum disease, which is another cause of bad breath.

I would also tell her, from the point of view that you're worried about whether it's a symptom of something (because it can be). Just ask when the last time she saw a dentist was, and if it hasn't been for a while, get her to book an appointment in case it does have a dental cause. If it doesn't, then she ought to have it looked into as it might be a gastric problem.