To tell my partner his breath smells?

[Starburst99]

Name changed as we have mutual friends who use this site and know my username.

Been dating my boyfriend for around 2 months now and I really like him. He’s very handsome, great sexual chemistry, intelligent, funny etc. There is one major sticking point though - his breath often smells.
He has good teeth and goes to the dentist (he was there just the other week having them cleaned by the hygeniest). When we’re cuddled up in bed, or even when he’s just talking to me in the car or something I can smell it. It’s like a sour morning breath smell even if he’s brushed his teeth.
I’ve tried offering him chewing gum and mints but he always says no. I know that I just need to tell him but how should I word it? We haven’t been together long at all and we aren’t at the stage yet where we can say things like that without hurting the other’s feelings. It’s becoming a massive turn off though so I need to nip this in the bud now. I need to man up and tell him later

Oh dear op

Does he drinks enough liquid?
My dh had this and I couldn't pussy foot round the issue anymore.
I just refuse to kiss him with bad breath. So he drinks more water, brushes and uses mouth wash. Otherwise it'd plain no n

Is he brushing his tongue too? Bacteria can sit on the tongue too

Tell him - does he eat food with dried garlic in it? I find garlic powder results in terrible breath on dh!

Bad breath can sometimes be an indication of further health problems. Is his diet ok?
Yes I think you'll have to tell him, gently though. If he's been the the hygenist he may already be aware.

Do it light-heartedly "Whooo! You're a bit ripe...did you have garlic for lunch?:

And he'll take it on the chin....or prove himself a bit of a snowflake and cry.

Good test of his personality.

You should ask him 'If I had bad breath sometimes, how would you tell me?' Then repeat back to him whatever he says.

Yes, you do need to tell him. You would want to know yourself, wouldn't you?

Breath mints are not going to solve it, though, that's just covering up.

Sounds like a medical problem or dry mouth if he takes care of his teeth. Does he drink a lot of coffee? Chew gum after meals? Does he get heartburn/reflux?

Sometimes it's just a person's natural smell. One of my exes had unpleasant breath, even after brushing and mouthwash. It never fully went away and was one of the reasons I finished it.

I'd talk to him about it