How to tell a girlfriend she needs help

by Mark
(Illinois)

I recently started dating a woman whom I really like and am physically attracted to. I haven't met someone with so much promise for a longer-term relationship in a long time. The only problem is she has a very bad halitosis problem.

Last night we had our 4th date and the problem is still there as it was on date numbers 1,2 and 3. I wanted to let it go to see if it was just a situational/temporary thing, but I can now see that it is a chronic problem. We have become more intimate at this stage (more passionate kissing) and I can hardly stand locking lips with her.

After last night's date, she may have sensed that I was a bit hesitant to kiss her for very long but I still didn't mention it to her,

The worst part is she obviously has no idea her breath is so repulsive. She even told me she ended a former dating relationship because the guy had really bad breath!!! Talk about being clueless. The odor reminds me of old green olives...(yuck). The odor is quite strong and can be detected outdoors from about 3 feet away and even in a breeze!

Now I don't want to stop seeing this girl over something that can be cured. I don't know her well enough to know how she would react to me telling her straight out. I do know this will end our relationship hopes if it does not get fixed. She had really beautiful straight, white teeth and she talks about carrying floss with her at all times and she uses a Sonicare toothbrush at home.

I think her problem is not dental related.

Any advice will be very much welcomed.