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The original was posted on /r/newzealand by /u/Usual-Tiger-983 on 2024-09-20 01:40:23+00:00.

So, I recently started a new job and one of my co-workers has the worst breath I have ever experienced. I’m not talking like someone who has just had onions for lunch or a bit of coffee breath, I’m talking a stench that smells between metallic and something died in their mouth.

It might sound trivial, but it actually is affecting me at work. It’s a professional, office job. I have had days where they sit next to me and I had to make an excuse to move to another desk. The other day I went to a seminar and they sat next to me and I could smell it so strongly I felt physically ill and had to get up. At times when I couldn’t escape, including in meetings, I haven’t been able to focus on my work.

Now, if this were someone I’d known longer and knew how they would react I would just pull them aside and let them know. I understand it can have a medical background so I don’t want to pry but at least if they’re not aware they could get checked up or get their mouth cleaned up.

But given I’m new to the workplace I’m wondering what I should do. Is this something to ask HR about? Or my manager ? If I raise it could there be repercussions against me?

I haven’t discussed with any other co-workers because I don’t want to start gossip.

I feel bad for them. I also feel like it’s not fair to the team or to the brand (not a great look when speaking to clients!). Surely they would want to know so they could do something about it?

For the record I’ve worked in multiple offices, over 10 years, and this is the first time I’ve ever even thought of going to HR.