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Original poster

Told my breathe smells

120 replies

Spottyhippo · 25/02/2022 18:43

My lovely boss had to have this conversation with me today. She was as gentle and as nice as she could be. But it has been mentioned by a client and a coworker.

I floss and brush my teeth twice a day. I'm not gross I promise. But I do have quite a nasty infection in a wisdom tooth that I'm waiting for the dental hospital to see me about because it's too awkward for my normal dentist.

Anyway I'm going to start eating mints/ gum throughout the day to hopefully deal with things. But how do I deal with the embarrassment? I cried in front of my boss which I've never done in work before ever. She let me go home an hour early because I was upset so I know all my coworkers will know that I've been upset and will probably know why. And I just feel like I want to run away not have to face Monday. Any tips? Sad

OP posts:
ofwarren · 25/02/2022 18:44

Are you on antibiotics for the infection?

Somuddled · 25/02/2022 18:45

It's nice that she handled it gently. You know thw reason why it smells so please don't be hard on yourself. How about mouth wash in you desk draw that you can use regularly?

Kleptronic · 25/02/2022 18:47

Ah god love you OP, you can't help it!

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General health
Original poster
Spottyhippo · 25/02/2022 18:47

Yes on antibiotics but every time I stop finish a course the infection comes back.

Mouthwash could be a good idea.

I more need tips on how to handle the urge to email my notice over the weekend and run far away. I’m so embarrassed and upset.

OP posts:
Original poster
Spottyhippo · 25/02/2022 18:48

And also it’s knowing that everyone in my office will have been gossiping about me. We are a big team but all very close I thought.

OP posts:
HellonHeels · 25/02/2022 18:48

Rinse twice daily with warm salty water.

Can you hassle the hospital for cancellations?

JustALittleHelpPlease · 25/02/2022 18:48

Oh goodness that is tough. Having an infection will cause bad breath so that is probably the answer but there isn't much you can do about that at the moment, presumably it had been treated with antibiotics or whatever is appropriate?

Things that may help; do you make sure you brush/scrape your tounge? That makes a difference. Can you brush your teeth at lunchtime? Most of our staff do this in the loos - but we are an orthodontic department in part. I found corsydol toothpaste vile tasting but it definitely helped stave off mask breath longer than any other toothpaste I've tried (I also use the mouthwash which is less nasty tasting!).

Hope you get your tooth sorted soon, it must be miserable Flowers

Susu49 · 25/02/2022 18:48

Oh , op how awful for you Flowers

I'm sure it's the infection causing it. There are so many medical reasons that can cause bad breath (sinus issues, problems with tonsils, reflux etc) it really isn't a sign of poor hygiene most of the time.

I doubt your Co workers have any idea why you left early and upset. Its not as if there was an announcement telling everyone what your meeting was about. I doubt anyone has any idea.

Perhaps the colleagues who mentioned it to your boss have especially sensitive sense of smell, some people do.

Hold your head high and remember no one thinks you're lacking in personal care. I'm sure they told you out of concern rather than anything else. You have a legitimate medical reason and have nothing to be embarrassed about.

NannyGythaOgg · 25/02/2022 18:49

As well as antibiotics for the infection which should get things under control have you thought of using a water pic.

I don't have an infection but using a water pic took away a horrible taste in my mouth.

HellonHeels · 25/02/2022 18:50

I have no medical qualifications at all but could you check with the dentist to see if you can have a longer course if ABs?

Kleptronic · 25/02/2022 18:50

You have a medical condition, no need to be embarrassed. Perhaps being upfront about it might be a good way to go, until it can be sorted? If it was me I would declare the issue to everyone from the get go. But then I am massively hardfaced.

Luredbyapomegranate · 25/02/2022 18:50

Ah - so sorry OP. But presumably you explained the infection?
It's an unusual situation, a lot less embarrassing than not having a good reason.

These things happen and while it feels awful now, that feeling will fade.

I'd ask your boss to be sure to explain to the client and co-worker (or at least the co-worker) that it's an infection, and you are on a hospital list for treatment. Then she's done the job for you and you can carry on as normal.

I'd ring up the dentist - tell them you've been threatened with losing your job (lay the drama on thick) so can you get an urgent referral? If you aren't averse to antibiotics then you could ask about these to bring it down for now.

JustALittleHelpPlease · 25/02/2022 18:50

Please don't think people will have been gossiping, there is a difference between discussing an issue and how best to raise it without upsetting the person as far as possible and gossiping. We had a similar but different issue in our team, people discussed it but out of concern and not wanting the person to have any nasty comments from the public honestly no hint of bitching.

Tethersend01 · 25/02/2022 18:55

Hi OP
Many dentists are trained and able to remove even impacted wisdom teeth, they require additional training which many do have. Would getting a private referral to another dentist who does surgical extractions be an option for you? I had all mine out (all surgical as impacted) it was fab and best thing ever as no more pain or infections.

Chamomileteaplease · 25/02/2022 18:57

I hope that you told your boss it was because of the abscess?

Could happen to anyone Smile and everyone at your work will know that.

Hope you can get it fixed soon.

Original poster
Spottyhippo · 25/02/2022 18:57

My dentist has said it would be impossible to do outside of a dental hospital. They mentioned general anaesthetic being needed so that might be why. I will phone him on Monday and double check and ask about referrals. Thanks.

OP posts:
Beachsidesunset · 25/02/2022 18:59

Wear a mask? 'Cos of covid.

Original poster
Spottyhippo · 25/02/2022 18:59

Yes I told my boss about the infection. Still doesn’t make it any less embarrassing. She told me it wouldn’t be fair on me or coworkers or clients if it continues. Which I know. Feels a bit of a threat at the same time though. Sort it or be out of a job. I will mention it to the dentist.

OP posts:
purpleboy · 25/02/2022 19:00

@Kleptronic

You have a medical condition, no need to be embarrassed. Perhaps being upfront about it might be a good way to go, until it can be sorted? If it was me I would declare the issue to everyone from the get go. But then I am massively hardfaced.
This.

Don't be embarrassed op, I'd go into work Monday and explain to your co workers. I do understand why you wouldn't want to do that, but for me I'd prefer that than wondering if people thought I was just unhygienic.

Mumsnut · 25/02/2022 19:00

If you still have your tonsils, have a check for tonsil stones ...

ViceLikeBlip · 25/02/2022 19:02

I absolutely understand this overwhelming urge to cut and run, but it wouldn't help. You'd still be over-dramatising in your head what "everyone's saying about you", forever more. Go in on Monday, and it will be fine, and then you'll be able to move forwards.

What sort of work do you do? I've never had a job where my breath mattered! In fact, my current job seems to only give us raw onion and garlic for lunch- I'm sure we all stink! (but hey, free lunch, I'm not complaining 😉) Drink lots of water, and just keep your distance a bit 🤷‍♀️

rightsideoftheroad · 25/02/2022 19:02

I have an impacted wisdom tooth that gets infected. I find the best thing to do is to get a tipi/interdental brush and put some toothpaste on it and have a good scrub/root around with it each morning and night (you'd be surprised how much food can get stuck between the teeth and gums). Though may not be ideal if its infected and painful...

Original poster
Spottyhippo · 25/02/2022 19:05

I work in Marketing we have lots of meetings with lots of important clients so I get it. I’ll spend the weekend licking my wounds and hopefully will be brave enough to face Monday.

OP posts:
brainhurts · 25/02/2022 19:06

How awfully for you . You can't help it you have an infection. Can you WFH ?

LemonGelato · 25/02/2022 19:06

OP, I've had to have words about this with people in the past (and body odour, which is even more sensitive). Honestly, the work colleagues who raised it with me were not doing it to be horrible, they wanted to help the person be aware of it (not everyone is) so they could do something about it, in case other people who were not so kind said anything or were talking behind their backs.

Please don't obsess over it. Do any of your closer work colleagues know about the dental issue? If not, just casually mention how glad you are to get the appointment, how the antibiotics aren't working etc.

Also as pp mentioned, brushing the tongue really does help and the Waterpik blasts out lots of gunk even flossing doesn't shift.