Dental hygiene?

[creamcheeseandlox]

DH is generally good about his general hygiene. Showers everyday etc, takes pride in his appearance etc but over the past year he has not been to the dentist. It's mostly been beyond his control so he had one appointment cancelled by the surgery, and his working hours make it difficult to get an appointment outside if working hours. Because if this I have noticed his teeth becoming more stained and discoloured. He has also recently bought a electric toothbrush and over the past 3-6 months when he's been using it I don't think it's cleaning his teeth as well as pictures from xmas and before his teeth are noticeably whiter. I also don't think he cleans the back surfaces of his teeth too

The thing is, it's becoming quite unattractive to me and I've notice that the underneath of his teeth (the back surface of the top set) are quite brown and look like smokers teeth. He has a appointment for mid may and I'm hoping he gets a scale and polish to get rid of it all but I don't know how to approach him about it. I have briefly commented on the stains and I'm sure he is aware of them but Doesn't talk about it due to a combination of pride/embarrassment but I really don't like the way it looks and also don't get how he could have neglected it for so long.

We were at his brothers yesterday and someone commented that he had food stuck in his teeth where in reality it was stains in between his teeth. I did mention it later and he said he knows it was his teeth and understandably got defensive about it.

Do I just leave it till the appointment and hope he speaks up and gets it all sorted or do I voice my concerns. I am worried about offending him and making him self conscious but on the other hand it's making me want to be less and less intimate (sorry if some think that's over the top) but it's how I feel.

My hubby has a dental phobia & you'd be shocked at the state of his teeth. He has only now decided after 10 years together to get them sorted out. This will involve removing most of them & having false ones & plates. I understand how difficult it is to broach this subject. How do you say in a nice way that someone has bad teeth & breath like cat food?

In your DH's case I don't think you have much to worry about tbh. The dentist will nag him to go & see the hygienist who will sort all the staining out for him. They may even suggest whitening, if appropriate. Go with him if you can so you can encourage him. Good luck!

If he's bought himself an electric toothbrush, I suspect he is worried about the state of his teeth.

I’m surprised his teeth are that stained after only a year. Does he drink a lot of tea and coffee? I haven’t been to the dentist since last May and I can’t remember the last time I saw a hygienist (the dentist told me I didn’t need to, I go if they suggest it) and my teeth aren’t stained. I also find my electric toothbrush cleans my teeth better than a manual one.

He doesn't smoke but does drink a lot of tea and beer....he brews his own so always has a supply.

If was my husband I’d just tell him straight that his teeth aren’t clean enough - but Then i am a dental hygienist so offending people doesn’t worry me too much
Tell him to ask for a private hygienist appointment when he goes to the dentist - if it’s not suggested
Sounds like he needs an extensive appointment and to go regularly. Some places do Saturdays early and late appointments
It’s all sortable

Heather will the Dentist not do a scale and polish without him having to go to hygienist?

You are not being OTT.Dirty teeth are a turnoff. I would be the same. 🌹

How's his enamel? If it's weak, this could be contributing to the heavy staining.
Also, an electric toothbrush can be a double-edged sword. My dentist really showed me how to use mine. I was doing it all wrong. Since I followed his advice, my teeth are much cleaner, much healthier, gums too. You wouldn't think you could get it wrong with an electric toothbrush, but this could be the case for your DH.
He should see the hygienist on the day he sees the dentist.

I bought a great at-home whitening kit from my dentist called Opalescence Go. I now just order it online as needed. But I've heard Crest white strips are amazing and affordable.

He won’t necessarily see a hygienist. Not all practices have one. If they don’t , the dentist will be able to clean his teeth but if they are bad it’s likely to involve scheduling at least one other appointment.

Hygienists are awesome !