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We've been dating for about three months. He is kind and sweet and a serious catch! The only thing is that his breath stinks about 1/2 the time we spend time together. It's not overwhelming but just a bit foul. It makes me not want to kiss him and or I'll turn my head when he's talking right near me.
A few weeks ago, I told him that his breath was a little smelly once and he immediately went out and bought a case of travel-size mouth washes and uses them every time we hang out. I thought that was really sweet, although I could tell it was an embarassing conversation for him too.
The problem is that it doesn't always help. He might use it, and then an hour later it will start to smell again. Since it's kind of a sensitive topic, I feel mean saying "can you use the mouth wash again?" So I just don't say anything, but it definitely lowers my attraction to him in the moment and I don't really want to kiss him after that.
At this point, I need to bring it up again but I'm not sure how. The mouthwash isn't working, is there anything that can help? How do I have this conversation in a way that isn't going to make him feel terrible?
Hate to sound harsh, but you've already given him one warning, so he should be on constant hand to mouth self smelling out of consideration. He's not, so I'd move on.
I would think the most positive way would be to approach it out of concern about not wanting to be close to him because of his breath.
So you could say something like, "I know we've talked about your breath before, and I am concerned because I still notice it and it's keeping me from wanting to be close to you." Hopefully he'll be open to a conversation after that.
Any chance he takes medication that affects his breath?
Does he have gingivitis? Are his gums really red? Does he brush well??
My ex had this problem for a while, and this was a miracle product:
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Originally Posted by prospectheightsresident
Hate to sound harsh, but you've already given him one warning, so he should be on constant hand to mouth self smelling out of consideration. He's not, so I'd move on.
That doesn't work - people can't smell their own bad breath usually the way they can check their armpit odor.
OP- it's clear he's trying to fix it. I wonder if he needs to see a dentist, or figure out if he's got digestive problems? Since he's using mouthwash when he's with you, it's not as if he's not brushing his teeth or trying.
We've been dating for about three months. He is kind and sweet and a serious catch! The only thing is that his breath stinks about 1/2 the time we spend time together. It's not overwhelming but just a bit foul. It makes me not want to kiss him and or I'll turn my head when he's talking right near me.
A few weeks ago, I told him that his breath was a little smelly once and he immediately went out and bought a case of travel-size mouth washes and uses them every time we hang out. I thought that was really sweet, although I could tell it was an embarassing conversation for him too.
The problem is that it doesn't always help. He might use it, and then an hour later it will start to smell again. Since it's kind of a sensitive topic, I feel mean saying "can you use the mouth wash again?" So I just don't say anything, but it definitely lowers my attraction to him in the moment and I don't really want to kiss him after that.
At this point, I need to bring it up again but I'm not sure how. The mouthwash isn't working, is there anything that can help? How do I have this conversation in a way that isn't going to make him feel terrible?
Buy him a electric toothbrush waterpik combination , and if that doesn't work ask him to make a appointment for a dentist or medical doctor.
Smelly breath could be a indication and sign of serious medical problems....
That doesn't work - people can't smell their own bad breath usually the way they can check their armpit odor.
OP- it's clear he's trying to fix it. I wonder if he needs to see a dentist, or figure out if he's got digestive problems? Since he's using mouthwash when he's with you, it's not as if he's not brushing his teeth or trying.
We've been dating for about three months. He is kind and sweet and a serious catch! The only thing is that his breath stinks about 1/2 the time we spend time together. It's not overwhelming but just a bit foul. It makes me not want to kiss him and or I'll turn my head when he's talking right near me.
A few weeks ago, I told him that his breath was a little smelly once and he immediately went out and bought a case of travel-size mouth washes and uses them every time we hang out. I thought that was really sweet, although I could tell it was an embarassing conversation for him too.
The problem is that it doesn't always help. He might use it, and then an hour later it will start to smell again. Since it's kind of a sensitive topic, I feel mean saying "can you use the mouth wash again?" So I just don't say anything, but it definitely lowers my attraction to him in the moment and I don't really want to kiss him after that.
At this point, I need to bring it up again but I'm not sure how. The mouthwash isn't working, is there anything that can help? How do I have this conversation in a way that isn't going to make him feel terrible?
If you have ruled out the obvious causes, such as is he a smoker, drinks a lot of coffee when with you, or does he eat much onions, garlic (food odors from those can last as long as 72 hours in the body), and it is none of these, then I agree with the others that it is a dental problem.
You could say it like this, "I am so glad some of the lock downs are lifting because I had to cancel my dental cleaning appointment before, so I will definitely be getting my cleaning now! How about you... are you going to do your dental cleaning soon?"
That's how I would casually bring it up, and see what he says back ("Oh, I never go to the dentist" "I haven't had a cleaning in years") But hopefully he will say that he is going to the dentist soon, also.
In the meanwhile, carry mints with you and keep offering him one. I think the mouthwashes are a bit extreme. Go for the mints, gum, etc.
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