So, your partner stinks. Now what?

Imagine this: you're in a romantic setting, eager to share a cosy moment with your partner. Just as you lean in close, you're met with the unpleasant surprise of bad breath. It's quite the turn-off, isn't it?

The way someone smells can significantly impact our interactions and experiences. However, most of the time, the person in front of us isn't even aware that they have bad breath or body odour.

Addressing this issue insensitively could hurt their feelings, but enduring the smell isn't a pleasant option either. So, how can you tactfully handle a situation where your partner has an unpleasant odour?

"Dealing with a partner who has hygiene issues can be sensitive and challenging," Dr Neerja Aggarwal, PhD psychologist and co-founder of mental health start-up Emoneeds, tells India Today.

The doctor says that it's generally advisable to believe in open communication rather than letting things be.

"Hygiene is a fundamental aspect of personal care and can impact both partners' well-being and the relationship's dynamics. Ignoring the issue may lead to resentment or discomfort, whereas open communication allows for understanding and finding a solution together," she adds.

Further, she states that addressing the matter directly can prevent discomfort and resentment from building up. By discussing the issue openly, both partners can work together to find a solution, fostering a healthier and more understanding relationship.

How to communicate without hurting their feelings?

Dr Roshan Mansukhani, a Mumbai-based therapist and counsellor, shares a few tips:

Select an appropriate time: Make sure your partner is not agitated or distracted, by choosing a quiet, comfortable time to discuss the matter.

Be tactful: Express your emotions without blaming others by using "I" phrases. For instance, "I've noticed that sometimes there's an odour, and I'm worried it might be uncomfortable for you and others."

Be kind and supportive: Stress that your goal is to assist and encourage, not to condemn or humiliate.

Provide solutions: Make sensible recommendations, such as experimenting with different deodorants, improving personal cleanliness, or even visiting a physician to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Remember that it is important to always approach the topic with empathy and sensitivity.

Be supportive while solving the issue (Photo: Getty Images

Every relationship requires adjustment and compromise

The experts believe that every relationship thrives on a foundation of adjustment and compromise. These elements are essential for fostering understanding and harmony between partners.

"In the context of hygiene, it might involve discussing routines, offering assistance or reminders if forgetfulness is an issue, and understanding each other's comfort levels," says Dr Aggarwal.

Adding to this, Dr Mansukhani states that it is also vital to consider your partner's viewpoint and emotions by placing yourself in their position.

"Allow your partner some time to correct and deal with the situation. A change takes time to manifest. Additionally, celebrate little accomplishments along the road and offer your partner support and encouragement while they work on the problem," he adds.

Here are some tips from experts

Regular communication: To resolve problems quickly and successfully, develop the habit of communicating honestly and openly.

Compromise: Recognise that both parties will need to make modifications and compromises, and be prepared to do so.

Offer solutions, not just criticism: Suggest ways to improve hygiene rather than just pointing out the problem.

Listen actively: Understand any underlying reasons for changes in hygiene habits and offer assistance if needed.

Seek professional help: You might want to think about getting in touch with a relationship counsellor if the problem is ongoing and hard to talk about.

Maintain respect: To prevent hurting one another's feelings, always discuss delicate subjects with consideration and understanding.

Positive perspective: To preserve a solid, wholesome connection, highlight the positive aspects of your partnership and your partner's attributes.

What's behind body odour?

"Body odour is a common issue that can affect self-esteem and social interactions. It's often the result of the natural processes of the body, but several factors can contribute to its severity," shares Dr Seema Oberoi Lall, consultant, dermatology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram.

Sweat glands

Eccrine glands are distributed all over the body and produce a watery sweat for cooling. This type of sweat is generally odourless.

On the other hand, apocrine glands are found in areas like the armpits, groin, and around the nipples. These glands produce a thicker sweat that contains proteins and fatty acids. When this sweat is broken down by skin bacteria, it produces a body odour.

Bacterial activity

Sweat itself is not odorous. The smell arises when bacteria on the skin break down the sweat from the apocrine glands into acids. The primary bacteria involved are Corynebacterium, Staphylococcus, and Micrococcus.

Diet

Certain foods and drinks can influence body odour. Spices like garlic, cumin, and curry, as well as foods like onions, red meat, and alcohol, can lead to more potent sweat. The sulphur compounds in these foods can be excreted through sweat, contributing to body odour.

Your diet can lead to bad body odour (Photo: Getty Images)

Hygiene

Poor hygiene practises, such as infrequent bathing or wearing dirty clothes, allow sweat and bacteria to accumulate, leading to stronger body odour.

Medical conditions

Some health conditions can lead to body odour. Diabetes can cause a sweet or fruity smell due to high blood sugar levels. Kidney or liver disease can result in a fishy or ammonia-like odour due to the build-up of toxins in the body. Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, can also exacerbate body odour.

Hormonal changes

Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause can increase sweating and alter body odour.

Stress and anxiety

Emotional stress activates the apocrine glands, leading to increased production of sweat that can mix with bacteria to produce odour.

How to treat it?

Antiperspirants: These products contain aluminium-based compounds that temporarily block sweat glands, reducing the amount of sweat produced.

Deodorants: These products contain antimicrobial agents to reduce bacteria on the skin and fragrances to mask odour. They do not reduce sweat but help control odour.

Regular bathing: Showering daily can help remove sweat and bacteria. You should focus on areas prone to sweating, such as the armpits, groin, and feet.

Clean clothing: You should wear fresh clothes daily, especially after exercise or heavy sweating. Choose breathable fabrics like cotton to allow sweat to evaporate more easily.

Dietary adjustments: Reducing or avoiding foods that contribute to body odour, such as spicy foods, garlic, onions, and alcohol, can help manage odour.

You can also depend on home remedies to combat bad body odour, such as applying apple cider vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, tea tree oil, coconut oil, or witch hazel on the skin.

What about bad breath?

"Bad breath, or halitosis, can result from various factors that affect oral hygiene and overall health," says Dr Raghavendra B R, dentist, Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Bengaluru.

Inadequate oral hygiene practices can lead to the build-up of food particles and plaque on teeth, gums, and the tongue. This can cause bacterial growth, which emits odorous compounds contributing to bad breath.

Regular consumption of carbonated beverages can contribute to bad breath.

Food particles that get stuck between teeth can decay over time, leading to unpleasant odours.

When plaque hardens into tartar (calculus) due to insufficient dental hygiene or irregular dental check-ups, it provides a breeding ground for bacteria. Tartar deposits can emit a persistent odour that regular brushing alone cannot remove.

Certain gastrointestinal conditions like acid reflux (GERD), gastritis, or other digestive disorders can cause bad breath.

Many factors can lead to bad breath (Photo: Getty Images)

Get rid of it

The doctor explains that treating bad breath typically involves a multifaceted approach, focusing on improving oral hygiene, addressing underlying dental issues, and managing any related health conditions.

Professional dental cleanings: Regular visits to the dentist, ideally every six months, are essential. It is also important to brush and floss the teeth properly.

Identification of dental issues: It is important to identify and address underlying dental problems that contribute to bad breath, such as cavities, gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis), or poorly fitting dental appliances.

Education on diet and lifestyle: Don't shy away from seeking guidance on dietary choices that may affect oral health and contribute to bad breath.

Monitoring and prevention: Regular dental check-ups allow dentists to monitor your oral health over time and catch any emerging issues early. Preventive measures, such as fluoride treatments or dental sealants, may be recommended to maintain optimal oral hygiene and prevent future problems that could contribute to bad breath.

Source: India Today