Bad Breath!!

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Specializes in Med Surg, Ortho.

During morning report, I've encountered nurses with really bad breath.

Any thoughts or suggestions about how to tell someone there breath stinks

without embarrassing or being too rude? Or is it best to juar deal with it

and say nothing at all??

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Specializes in Medical Surgical.

Offer them a mint; take one yourself if you want to be subtle. Offer them every morning; most people would take the hint.

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I would put out a small dish with mints in it just as report starts and take the first one myself. Do this everyday until the offenders get the hint. Maybe after some time, the "mint dish" duty can be passed around.

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Well, I just tell them. They may not be aware and are able to address the problem, whether it be poor dental hygeine or sinus problems, whatever. I guess I have become more blunt because I deal with smokers who as soon as they come in from a smoke find it necessary to hang over my shoulder and talk ... I just tell them they stink and they need to brush their teeth... they take it well.

I am more tactful with patients, I often suggest to them that they should visit thier dentist.

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

I wouldn't want to embarrass someone or hurt their feelings about an issue like bad breath, I would carry gum and if you offer them a piece everyday after a few days they will get the message.

!Chris :specs:

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Tell them to brush their teeth prior to giving you report. Ouch. LOL.

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Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

you could always say in a half joking tone "Whew! What did you eat?!"

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Specializes in BNAT instructor, ICU, Hospice,triage.

I heard one nurse ask another nurse if she "Ate a poop sandwich for lunch"

I have heard that green tea helps.

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OMG! I think it is rude not to tell someone they have bad breath!

If my breath stinks please tell me!! : )

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I'm very paranoid about this - and realize I do have bad breath, especially after coffee. Plus I've had a demented patient or two who have NO qualms about telling me when my breath stinks.

I have a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash (not the wimpy stuff from work :down: ) and high-powered gum. I brush my teeth a lot at work.

As to telling someone else . . .I do have a hard time embarrassing them. And whenever someone offers me gum or mints, I KNOW I am breathing bad breath on them . . .so, people still know you are telling them something with that offer. :coollook:

steph

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Specializes in School Nursing.

i think being point blank with them would be hurtfull and cruel. just lay a pack of tick tack's on the table and everyone will most likely take one. jeez.....don't be rude !

praiser :heartbeat

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

hand her a mint or piece of gum. I'm sure shes aware

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