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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To ask of anyone else gets into a right mess when brushing their teeth?

47 replies

KatoPotato · 24/01/2013 23:56

DH insists I'm doing something wrong. Every morning and night when I brush my teeth I end up a foaming slavering mess with minty blue foam all over the sink and my face.

He somehow manages to keep it all nice and self-contained just like all them sorts on the telly adverts.

I've tried less paste, a wet brush, a dry brush... I am a yawning 'gleeker' could this be the cause?

Is it just me? Does anyone else get into a right old mess? I promise I'm fairly capable at every other aspect of my life!

OP posts:

ellangirl · 25/01/2013 01:33

My dh! Drools toothpaste everywhere! Also incapable of having a shave without spreading water everywhere, but I rather hope that isn't a problem you share...

sashh · 25/01/2013 03:31

dry tooth brush, toothpaste, rub the paste all over your teeth with the brush so it is evenly spread, then brush.

You only need to keep your mouth open enough for the brush to be in your mouth - like a lollipop.

OK you might get a bit of mess at the front.

PolkaDotsandPumpkin · 25/01/2013 06:55

Ooh I have this problem! Or rather, I did until I got an electric toothbrush. I think the problem in the wet toothbrush and perhaps too much toothpaste?
I used to do it in the shower so that I could really go for it without making a mess of myself and the sink.

DolomitesDonkey · 25/01/2013 06:57

Haha me too. Cannot brush teeth if I'm already dressed. An also utterly incapable of washing my face without drenching myself to my waist.

My husband doesn't know how it's possible.

I blame ads showing a splashy "spa experience".

PolkaDotsandPumpkin · 25/01/2013 06:57

..the problem is the wet toothbrush

littlewhitebag · 25/01/2013 07:00

I never get any on my face or clothes when brushing my teeth. I like to wander about and looking out the window when brushing. Drives DH mad. No mess though. I can't think how you would get like that.

AViewfromtheFridge · 25/01/2013 07:01

I seem to always end up with toothpaste down my frot or on the floor - not foam, actual blobs of toothpaste. It's a right beggar to get off/ out as well. I think I must be too theatrical in my movements.

AViewfromtheFridge · 25/01/2013 07:02

Not my frot! That sounds rude! My froNt.

Original poster

KatoPotato · 25/01/2013 10:21

Frot! Lovely! I would normally agree at over-theatrical movements however I've tried my best to go super slow...

littlewhitebag I am very jealous you can go mobile when brushing! If I even move backwards slightly the whole front of the sink gets a literal pasting!

Dolomite I also soak myself face washing. I am a competent adult otherwise, honest!

OP posts:

DreamingOfTheMaldives · 25/01/2013 10:39

I was beginning to think that I was the only messy teeth brusher! It goes everywhere, even using an electric one. I end up with it all over my mouth, in the sink - I couldn't even consider moving away from the sink as it would be all over the floor!

My husband however is spotless when he cleans his teeth.

I think it may be the wet toothbrush which causes it but I cannot use a dry one as I hate mint and really dislike the stronger mint taste which seems present when using a dry toothbrush.

I must sound a bit odd but like KatoPotato I am competent and generally 'normal' in other aspects of my life.........honest

Fakebook · 25/01/2013 10:43

Keep your mouth shut around the brush and keep your head down.

When the Internet first came out I remember reading an article about how you brush your teeth and what it says about your personality. Apparently, if you keep your head down and brush, you're a very loyal lover and would never dream of cheating, if you keep your head up then you can't stay with one person indefinitely and need to keep moving on to new lovers. There were loads of other things too, like keeping the brushing clean or frothy meant something but I can't remember now.

Original poster

KatoPotato · 25/01/2013 10:54

Keeping my head down makes it worse! That's just an invitation for gravity to help out! - This is keeping my mouth clamped shut too!

I've tried a dry brush, no better and actually makes me gag resulting in more Aquafresh all over the shop, and my forearm, the sink, chin...

OP posts:

scarletforya · 25/01/2013 11:08

No, I'm a neat and tidy sort of person. I even windowlene the mirror after I floss!

I had an ex who used to SPIT ON THE TAP How could he not notice he gobbed all over the tap!

Sorry!

lurkedtoolong · 25/01/2013 11:18

I have to brush my teeth in the morning before my shower because I end up in such a mess. I don't know how it happens. I'm ashamed of myself.

newbielisa · 25/01/2013 11:18

I have read a million topics on here some have made me sad, angry, happy, many have made me laugh out loud. This has left me stumped. I am obviously really lucky or really tidy (house doesn't show this) as I don't have this problem at all. I have no idea how it happens but am very curious, can I come to yours and watch?

My 2 year old gets a bit of toothpaste on her chin because she can't spit it out properly . Cannot believe I'm typing this but could it be you're not spitting out far enough?

Original poster

KatoPotato · 25/01/2013 11:22

Newbielisa The mess happens during brushing. Almost instantly a huge amount of froth is generated.

My Husband says I'm 'not right' but I've tried all variations! - Will I film a vlog for you?

I do wonder if it's this funny nodule under my tongue that sprays snake like spit if I yawn with my mouth open? gleeking

OP posts:

Crinkle77 · 25/01/2013 11:50

Maybe try using a bit less toothpaste

BadRoly · 25/01/2013 11:52

I dribble it all down my arm - there are splats on the floor/mat where it falls off at my elbow. But my mum is the same...

whois · 25/01/2013 12:48

I'm with you OP, get really messy. Especially when doing behind the front bottom teeth.

drmummmsy · 25/01/2013 12:56

what is this dry brush business all about??

Trumpton · 25/01/2013 14:13

2 tips ......
Try using a toothpaste that is free from Sodium Laurel Sulphate ( it's a foaming agent and has been linked to mouth ulcers )
AND
Brush in the shower .

Sparklingbrook · 25/01/2013 14:16

I brush my teeth in the shower. I have a Water Pik too for flossing- lisa you could get in a real mess with it, and spray the wall at the far side of the bathroom.

WorraLiberty · 25/01/2013 14:17

OMG Kato I thought it was just my DH who gets himself in that sort of mess

He looks like a rabid dog sucking a sherbet fountain

I can't bring myself to watch him

PessaryPam · 25/01/2013 14:26

I use an electric toothbrush followed by an oral irrigator followed by mouthwash. I read somewhere that plaque bacteria play a role in heart disease hence the belt and braces approach.

The electric toothbrush is definitely easier to use than a manual one. You may find the oral irrigator a bit more challenging but it's worth it for the really clean feeling you get.

ElectricMonk · 25/01/2013 14:27

I have this problem, whereas my husband doesn't. However, I have perfect teeth, whereas my husband has 3 fillings, 1 crown and one "problem area" which the dentist is keeping an eye on. I'm sure it's partially down to genetics, but I do know that I brush more thoroughly than him. Is that any consolation?

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