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Lansing's Advice Column

Dear IMO,

I work for a very small company.  Although we get along just fine, our boss has the worst case of halitosis.  Since the office is small, there is very little room to maneuver to escape the "cloud of odor" when he talks.  How do I/we get our boss to take notice of his breath without losing our job? 

Sincerely,

Anne Marie.

 
Dear Anne Marie,

Bad breath can be annoying and irritating for those on the receiving end.  It can also be embarrassing to the individual who suffers from this condition.  For most people, bad breath is totally preventable with basic oral care.  Regular dental check-ups, brushing after meals, and flossing are usually all one needs to be free of the bacteria that cause bad breath.  Mouthwash with an antiseptic is another line of defense.

If your boss wears dentures or braces, food particles may be trapped in those hard to reach places.  Again, basic oral hygiene is the answer. 

Finally, the answer may lie in his diet.  If he eats food containing garlic, oregano, onion, or other strong spices, washes it all down with coffee, or tea, and ends the meal with a cigar and cognac, you have the recipe for the "perfect storm" of bad breath. 

There are several ways to approach this delicate subject.  First, ask to see him privately and tell him that you've noticed on occasion that he suffers from bad breath.  You might suggest the mouth rinse you use to combat bad breath.  If you fear any mention of this subject will get you fired, slip a note into his mailbox with some kind, but direct words about this problem with a few helpful hints.  Avoid the phrases "fish breath, road kill, and poop soup" in your note. Above all, be discreet in the way you deal with this matter.  In the end, you and your office will be a lot happier not to mention his wife and kids. 

 

If you have a question or are looking for advice, please email IMO at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

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