Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

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:
Original poster
Spottyhippo · 25/02/2022 19:06

No I can’t wfh. Wish I could. I’d never go back Grin

OP posts:
Bonheurdupasse · 25/02/2022 19:08

I remember reading about people swishing oil in their mouth or something? It was a thing a while ago.
Anyway I do it (when I remember) with mouthwash- hold it in my mouth (and swish it a bit) for as long as possible. It helps.
Even a few minutes will help a bit.

Plzhelpifyoucan · 25/02/2022 19:08

It sounds like it’s just because of the infection but I’ve also started using a tongue scraper and dental probiotics. It seems to help.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

General health
Original poster
Spottyhippo · 25/02/2022 19:09

@LemonGelato did the people you had to speak to manage to sort their odour issues? How did they cope with the embarrassment? And where the rest of their team OK with them once it was all sorted?

OP posts:
MyHusbandTheIdiot · 25/02/2022 19:13

Second (?third) the suggestions of tongue brushing/scraping and flossing - I find these make a HUGE difference.

collieresponder88 · 25/02/2022 19:14

Just get cb12 mouthwash and use it twice a day it's gets rid of it straight away

Kleptronic · 25/02/2022 19:15

How long have you worked there? If over 2 years they can't threaten your job because of a medical condition.

emsmar · 25/02/2022 19:16

Stay away from coffee and milk. Drink loads of water. Swirl with a wee bicarbonate of soda and water mix after eating. You're a wee soul. I hope it gets sorted soon. X

BabbleBee · 25/02/2022 19:18

While you’re waiting to see the dentist, try corsodyl gel applied directly to the affected tooth with an interdental toothbrush. Read the info as I’m sure I had to wait a certain amount of time before using a mouthwash.

collosalbrainbearer · 25/02/2022 19:20

Don't feel bad, it's not about your hygiene and it'll hopefully be fixed soon. Bring in a spare brush and mouthwash if you feel you need it- maybe after eating?

collosalbrainbearer · 25/02/2022 19:21

@MyHusbandTheIdiot

Second (?third) the suggestions of tongue brushing/scraping and flossing - I find these make a HUGE difference.

Yes, important - sometimes people brush and don't do the younger without realising so always make sure

Francescaisstressed · 25/02/2022 19:21

My main recommendations are:
Avoid coffee, always makes bad breath worse
Get a oral hygiene spray - I use one and it does help
Drink plenty of water, definately helps
Brush your teeth on lunch if you can or take mouthwash

It sounds as though ut was dealt with as sensitively as possible, and I'd imagine your other coworkers don't know if they've handled it well.

I knows it's a bit embarrassing, but at least you know and can now actively do something about it.
Hope the infection gets sorted for you

TheOccupier · 25/02/2022 19:21

Do you wear a facemask at work? If not, maybe start? Just until you are better.

cultkid · 25/02/2022 19:23

Ultradex is amazing for neutralising your breath

So so so so sorry you're suffering and you've also had to go through such an embarrassing and sad situation today.

Thinking of you xxx

Yeahbutnotreally · 25/02/2022 19:26

Do also check for tonsil stones, it might not just be infection.
A colleague obviously has them, I don’t judge her or think less of her but I do, even with masks on, keep my distance.

I’ve always been terrified of having bad breath then I saw this recommended on Instagram. You only need a couple of drops at a time -it’s powerful stuff- and lasts for months.
Wow drops

ButtonandTiny · 25/02/2022 19:26

I really feel for you OP.
DP had the exact issue with an infected tooth and the smell was quite bad but he couldn't do anything about it. Think he was glad masks were being enforced everywhere. He managed to get the tooth removed at the emergency dentist after exaggerating the pain he was in. The smell disappeared with the tooth.

cultkid · 25/02/2022 19:27

How bad is the infection that your breath smells so strong? I would be seriously concerned.

Have you been chewing gum and drinking enough water also to help you?

My heart is breaking for you this is such a shit situation xx

violet232 · 25/02/2022 19:30

Bless you OP Flowers

Plenty of water/hydration and I find listerine mint mouthwash works a treat for fresh mouth and breath. Hope your infection clears soon x

teraculum29 · 25/02/2022 19:32

@Bonheurdupasse

I remember reading about people swishing oil in their mouth or something? It was a thing a while ago. Anyway I do it (when I remember) with mouthwash- hold it in my mouth (and swish it a bit) for as long as possible. It helps. Even a few minutes will help a bit.
Apparently swooshing coconut oil for about 20min, helps with infections - something about bacteria sticking to the oil. but i never tried myself, so not sure if that's any useful advice.

OP. in the mean time please try using mouthwash but alcohol free, as that dries mouth and can cause more smelliness.
Swop your coffees and milk with water as well.

AleynEivlys · 25/02/2022 19:33

Get a Tung brush and Tung gel - bacteria from the infection will be colonising on your tongue, where food particles love to hide as it's like a big shaggy carpet, so keeping everything scrupulously clean until you can get it sorted will surely help. Make sure to brush gums, cheeks and the roof of the mouth as well. It isn't your fault though. What a horrid thing to happen. ☹️

teraculum29 · 25/02/2022 19:34

ps. my partner had recently some sort of tooth infection - hot drinks vere triggering the pain, he stared using mouthwash regularly and so far (knock on the wood) is all right now.

DeliaOwens · 25/02/2022 19:34

Have you considered a probiotic? Streptococcus salivarius strains will help with halitosis.

Lulu1919 · 25/02/2022 19:36

How about an email.....dear all so sorry my tooth infection has caused a few issues....so glad I now know ..let's hope the appointment comes quickly !!!

inheritancetrack · 25/02/2022 19:42

Presumably you explained the situation and said it was out of your control?

EarringsandLipstick · 25/02/2022 19:54

This is shocking - I'm always horrified about how hard it is to get dental care in the UK. I'm in Ireland, the public (free) dental care is limited but most people go to a private dentist. It's v different.

Honestly, I would be going on sick leave until it's sorted. You can't be expected to work under these conditions and it's really not fair to those you work with. It must be very bad if it's come to this, that your manager has to say it & I note she emphasised it couldn't continue.

Of course it's not your fault. I would absolutely push for urgent treatment by the dentist. It's awful you have to wait 💐

Swipe left for the next trending thread