I remember a few instances when my tolerance for smells was low and someone hit me with a blast of coffee or deli breath that nearly bowled me over. It can be really hard to keep those gag reflexes in check at times like that. I usually try to inch away slowly or cut the conversation short. Those extreme occasions remind me of Eddie Murphy in a scene from one of his old films...some guy has him backed against a wall and, by the look on his face, is suffocating him with a particularly bad case of dragon breath. Eddie points to his pocket while trying to look away and says there's a thing of Tic-Tacs in my pocket; take all you want.

bad breath can be analyzed by a discerning nose to determine if the offender has a sinus problem, a stomach problem, a tooth problem or a gum problem. Methamphetamine also gives addicts horrible rotting from the inside breath that distinguishes them. Dieters also can have foul fecal breath. Diagnosis of this kind I have found to be very accurate, but quite unpleasant.

A really powerful turnoff. In some instances bad breath can be caused by certain medications, but usually it's attributable to poor hygiene. I agree with Kamy about the garlic breath - it's transitory and I can live with it (it's almost like you have to if you're from an Italian family!).

Truly bad breath smells like a decomposing body, and is one of the worst possible stinks. No excuse. I hate it when I have to work with one of these people.

While I like working with people and all, having so many instances to have to be up-close with them lends to the occasional person with funky breath. I'm not talking I-just-ate-garlic-bread kinda funky; I can deal with that. Unfortunately, it's usually accompanied by noticable body odor as well. The only thing you could do is step back politely and continue with the conversation (or, if you have to speak to the person for a prolonged period of time, tastefully offer a mint after taking one yourself).

brush your teeth and don't drink coffee in the morning at least bring some gum after you do it smells like crap.

Thank goodness, for toothpaste and mouth wash!

Bad breath is a turn-off, particularly in dating situations. Thank goodness for toothpastes and mouthwashes.