I've a new boyfriend. But I hate kissing him because, for some reason, he always tastes gross and has bad breath! I couldn't understand why. Then he said he'd not been to the dentist for 20 years! Is this why?! I tried to persuade him to go- but he says it's unnecessary as he cleans his teeth. How can I tell him tactfully that he tastes disgusting?! Don't want to dumb him- he's nice. I can't face just telling him straight- he's so sensitive. Any practical tips/ ideas for subtle hints?!
2006-09-28 03:27:49 · 37 answers · asked by wj 1 in Health ➔ Dental
OH, ewwwww! You're going to have to be blunt about this.
2006-09-28 03:35:16 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try to find out why he's not been to the dentist - ?bad experience in the past ?scared - nothing to worry about, most of us are!
You could go with him to 'hold his hand', or even better, join the same practice has him and both go and get your teeth checked together! If you think he'd get offended by this, tell him that YOU'RE scared, and you want him to hold YOUR hand.
His bad breath could well be due to a dental problem, but then again, it might not be - halitosis can be caused by the foods he eats - ?lots of milk/cheese. A dentist would be also well placed to offer advice on this.
People still get tooth decay, despite brushing twice a day, and ideally, everyone should get a check-up at least yearly.
Ta ta for now.
2006-09-28 04:00:52 · answer #2 · answered by TTFN 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a link between gum disease and heart diseas, this may persuade him to go. It could be a diet problem, but I feel that after 20 years its more likley tartar (calculus) and a simply visit or 2 with a hygienst could sort him out, after 20 years it doesnt always mean he will need fillings, he'd have been in pain long before now. The longer he leaves it the risk of loosing the bone holding his teeth in increases. Its down to your diet and the frequency of intake of sugar, why you get fillings in the first place not how often you visit the dentist. Ive seen patients who havent been for 30 years and they've needed a simply scale and polish, normally once they've been they keep coming back regularly.
If his gums are bleeding you need to be sure to tell him healthy gums dont bleed.
If he smokes they may not bleed but it doesnt mean they are healthy as smoking restricts the supply of blood to the gums.
I think you just need to trend lightly and he'll come round. In the mean time as someone earlier said offer him a mint ( sugarfree of course)
2006-09-28 03:59:56 · answer #3 · answered by pixilated 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had not been to the dentist for many years because of the fill and drill regime every time I went followed by dental waiting lists in this area.
When a dentist opened his doors to new clients I decided to go and after all those years probably near 20 I had one filling due to a receding gum (not like a usual drill and fill). Probably because I brush too hard. They have been checked but there is nothing wrong and I mentioned about my bad breath and she said it was not my teeth.
I expected this because I have had it for years and tried many ways to get rid of it (I think it is catarrh but I have never smoked)
My latest effort is low or no dairy produce.
Talk to your feller but do it in a helpful way like John your breath is not as fresh as it could be and i have heard that it may not be teeth but X X X do you think if you tried so and so it might make it a bit better. don't beat around the bush as you will probably fall out. If you find a cure let me in on the secret.
2006-09-28 03:40:26 · answer #4 · answered by philipscottbrooks 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You know I have the same problem. My guy hasnt been to the dentist since he was about 9 (hes 26 now). And although his teeth look pretty good, his gums bleed to hell in the mornings, and he tastes quite bad when i kiss him. But I put the bad breath thing down to his smoking.
Sorry, no hints I'm afraid. I just cant imagine the reaction you would get if you told him this.
2006-09-28 03:36:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A friends boyfriend also hadn't been to the dentist for years, when she finally persuaded him to go he needed 8 fillings. His breath must have been like a tramps' backside.
Buy him plenty of mouthwash/gum/floss etc and hopefully he will get the general idea. Plus book him into the dentist and just give him the appointment card. If he doesn't go then he's a disgusting person.
2006-09-28 03:38:38 · answer #6 · answered by Lily 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Egad! I have heard of bad breath but I am sure his could knock a buzzard off of a s**t wagon!!!
You are in a tough spot, of course you don't want to hurt his feelings but I am thinking you WANT to kiss him on occasion and that breath must be terrible.
More importantly is his health! If your mouth isn't healthy it can effect your whole body!!
Good that he brushes but noone, not even the most meticulous brusher cleans EVERYTHING!! That is why dentists have a job. He needs some xrays and probably a deep cleaning to try to get his gums healthy, and who knows what cavities are lurking in there.
I might get some brocures from my dentists office and leave them "around" and just say you are worried about the effect no dental visits will have on his health.
Good Luck!!
2006-10-01 13:45:45 · answer #7 · answered by toothnurse 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think there's any way to do it tactfully, no matter what you risk hurting his feelings. BUT it's for his own good and if he goes and gets his mouth taken care of, he'll thank you in the long run. IT is necessary to go to the dentist regularly for cleanings and to make sure your teeth are okay. They clean better than you can with a toothbrush. Anything that's stuck between his teeth, or plaque that he isn't getting off will make his breath worse. He might need to brush his tongue or inside of his mouth too. Good luck.
2006-09-28 03:34:02 · answer #8 · answered by when's my next vacation??? 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My hubby last went 5 years ago when he needed root canal surgery, before that it was about 10 years. My Dads not been for about 8 years I dont think. Guys are so dumb sometimes! I think you should start leaving things like 'extra minty' toothpaste out, Corsodyl (REALLY harsh mouthwash) etc and when / if he comments on them, say the truth - that as he hasnt been to the dentist for a while, he needs all the help he can get with his dental hygiene. Good luck!!!xx
2006-09-28 03:49:27 · answer #9 · answered by Secret Squirrel 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dental hygiene is very important. Not only brushing and flossing, but regular cleanings at the dentist office. I wouldn't be intimate with him until he goes to the dentist. If you really care about him, you'll find a nice way to tell him. You will be doing him a huge favor. I don't know how long you've known each other, but maybe you should tell him you're concerned for his dental health and go with him. Maybe he's afraid.
2006-09-28 03:40:50 · answer #10 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some people can get away with that my Grandfather did. He brushed his teeth with salt twice a day but clearly your BF is not getting away with it. His bad breath is the result of bacteria in the food particles still stuck in his teeth despite brushing and it will damage is teeth and worse still his gums. Bugger is sensitivity tell him straight dentist or no more kisses
2006-09-28 03:40:59 · answer #11 · answered by Maid Angela 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋