My girlfriend has bad breath

Dear Pastor,

I am currently incarcerated in the New York State Prison. I have been reading your column for a long time now and I humbly seek your advice.

My woman and I have a daughter together. My woman has always taken very good care of herself and her hygiene.

Since my incarceration, she disappeared for a while and started having a fling with another man and upon speaking to her, I believe it was so bad that it sent her on an alcohol-drinking binge.

She ended the fling and has re-entered my life, and confessed her love to me and apologised for her mistakes. I am so in love with her that I accepted her apology and took her back.

However, although her teeth are white and her tongue is clean, she has a bit of bad breath. I believe it is the early stages of halitosis and this causes me to only peck her on the lips when we kiss; no French kissing, and I feel horrible.

My questions to you are as follows:

1. What causes halitosis?

2. Is there a cure for it and what is the cure, if any?

3. How do I tell her about it and ask her to get treatment or to see a doctor without hurting her feelings and ruining our relationship?

4. Is it possible that the alcohol-drinking binge could have developed parasites in her stomach and caused such situation?

I respectfully and humbly await your response, for I feel helpless.

Helpless

Dear Helpless,

This young lady should go to see her dentist. She is probably not careful with her oral hygiene.

Bad breath can be caused from numerous problems and her doctor can advice her on what is her problem.

You should suggest that she consults with her dentist. I am sure that whatever problem she might be having can be treated.

Pastor