Bad Breath at Work? Here’s How to Handle It Without the Awkwardness
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Bad Breath at Work? Here’s How to Handle It Without the Awkwardness
‘It’s not you, it’s your breath.’ Why talking about bad breath shouldn’t be taboo at work…
Ever caught a whiff of someone’s breath in a meeting and didn’t know what to say?
Whether it’s garlic from lunch or something more serious, bad breath in the office is one of those unspoken issues that most people don’t know how to address until it becomes too big to ignore.
As hybrid work brings colleagues closer together in face-to-face spaces again, tackling awkward health conversations with sensitivity is more important than ever. New insights from oral health experts are urging people not to avoid the bad breath conversation, because it could be a sign of something more serious.
According to data, between 35–45% of people worldwide experience some level of bad breath, with 2–30% having chronic halitosis, which is higher (up to 40%) in industrialized countries.
With workplace etiquette evolving post-pandemic, knowing how to raise personal issues like halitosis without causing embarrassment is becoming a modern-day soft skill, says Allen Zhang, founder and CEO of intraoral imaging firm ProDENT.
“It’s not that you want to shame people, but it’s more of showing care. If someone had spinach in their teeth, you’d probably let them know. Chronic bad breath deserves the same honesty, delivered with kindness and privacy,” he added.
Zhang adds that while most people fear offending others, bad breath is often something sufferers don’t even realise until someone tells them. He shares three essential tips for handling it tactfully:
- Speak privately – Never mention it in front of others. Wait for a quiet moment.
- Use “I” language – Frame it gently: “I’ve noticed something and wasn’t sure if you were aware…”
- Frame it with concern – Offer it as a caring gesture, not a criticism.
Zhang, a leading voice in dental technology, also notes that the smell of someone’s breath can sometimes reveal more about their health than they realise.
“We’re learning that the mouth is often the first place systemic health issues show up, and it’s why dental diagnostics are becoming essential,” he explained.
