Partner's bad breath. Grossed out.

[shonapop]

I've been with my partner a few years now. His breath is vile 90% of the time and I mean vile, not just up close either. I've spoken to him numerous times. I've tried to be kind and sensitive. He always seems a bit hurt. He has good oral hygiene. Brushes, flosses, scrapes tongue, regularly visits the dentist. Nothing seems to help. I'm so put off by it that I'm going off him. I actually recoil at times. Any advice?

Could he have tonsil stones?

Does he get his teeth cleaned by hygienist?

Deal breaker.

How do you kiss him?

He does have 6 monthly scale and polishes from the hygienist. I don't think this makes any difference.
I'm afraid this could be a deal breaker!

www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bad-breath/symptoms-causes/syc-20350922

I love kissing but we really don't very often because of this.

Oh, that’s unusual
Understandable it’s a dealbreaker but if he genuinely has great oral hygiene, could it be a stomach issue, acid reflux or something else

Although as an adult he should be making an effort to find out what’s causing it, especially after you’ve mentioned it multiple times. I have less sympathy for him because of it

Being poorly hydrated can cause bad breath.

No stomach issues that we know of.
That has made me think though. I have said multiple times, yet he never seems concerned or asks if his breath is ok off his own back. If it was the other way round I'd be constantly checking and doing extra teeth brushing.

This is so difficult I really feel for you. I feel for your partner too as he may just not be aware of how bad it is especially if his dentist says all is well.
A shame to throw a good relationship away for something that can hopefully be fixed. I think it's time to sit down with him and explain just how you feel and it's important that HE has to get to the bottom of it

Definitely will be his gut causing the smell. Needs to address this first

Hi Op
Does he have digestion issues?
Such as for e.g Hituas Hernia etc?

Hi Op
I think a vist to the Dentist/Doctors would be beneficial to find out about digestion issues or maybe something else health M.o.t diagnosis type of thing to discover what it could be causing Halitosis issue of your Partner.

I know it seems obvious but could you both chew some strong minty gum every single time before kissing?

Suggest he increase his tooth brushing : after every big meal, lots of water and maybe get the wisdom teeth removed as they’re the ones that often trap bugs. A good probiotic & maybe a visit to a naturopath or nutritional therapist. If the relationship is otherwise good, don’t be glib and work on this Together

It's obviously not the lack of dental hygiene! Posters advising him to brush even more frequently - that's not a good advice, overbruahing can damage enamel and also too much fluoride can be damaging for health.

OP, you say no stomach issues but you wouldn't necessarily know - def needs checking with the doctor. I feel sorry for him as he does all he can re teeth - 6-monthly hygienist too - more than most people do.
It could also be sinuses.
Nasty for you too but you should have insisted on medical investigation instead of tolerating it for years!

Doesn't he care how he comes across to other people, colleagues etc?

Does he drink water regularly through the day? What’s his diet like?

My husband had terrible breath when he drunk a certain brand of coffee, I had to make a joke of it and tell him not to buy it anymore. It honestly was akin to what I can only describe as dog turd! 😂 He took it well and has never bought it again. He did also go to the dentist and had a filling replaced.

Does he smoke? My ex had horrible breath as he smoked and had gum disease as a result.

Stock up on CB12 mouthwash and breath freshener. They're very good

It's probably tonsil stones. It's the most vile smell ever and no amount of dental hygiene helps. Needs to sort out the stones.

Thanks all for replying. He had an operation to repair a hiatus hernia several years ago. I wonder if it could be failing? He's not mentioned any other symptoms.
I personally would be very paranoid if someone had mentioned it to me.

@shonapop

Forget about whether or not he’s paranoid about it — people show things in different ways.

If he had a hiatus hernia reflux is quite likely an issue for him. Have a kind compassionate chat about it. It’s so not a dealbreaker . I’m going through a separation and I can tell you that good relationship are worth fighting for.

Thankyou.
We had a good chat today. Doctors appointment has been made. Fingers crossed.