Dear Diane: Icky breath sours love

Dear Diane: My boyfriend, “Todd,” and I have been together for six months. I love him with all my heart. He is funny, smart, sexy and my best friend. The problem is he has the worst breath I’ve ever smelled.

I don’t know how I can break the news to him. It’s not like Todd doesn’t brush and floss. He does. I just don’t understand why he has such an odor coming out of his mouth.

How can I gently and tactfully break the news to the love of my life that his breath could stop a rhino?

— Looking for Gasmask in Galveston

Dear Gasmask: Well, the first thing you don’t want to do is tell him his breath can stop a rhino. Nor do you want to announce it in public.

The best way to gently give Todd the message may be to place a chewable breath mint between your teeth before you kiss him. Let him see it, and then when you kiss, gently place it in his mouth with your tongue.

If he asks why, just tell him that you like a minty kiss, and then hand him the box of breath fresheners. This way, you really don’t need to say anything that will embarrass Todd. I’m sure he’ll get the message.