I can't use toothpaste/mouthwash - so ashamed!

[VeryNotNormal]

Okay, this is a long story but, in a nut shell, I can't use toothpaste/tooth powder or mouthwash without gagging and occasionally vomiting. I'm not pregnant, I've had this problem literally since I was a kid.

It came about when my Dad decided to try me on the mintiest, strongest Colgate toothpaste when I was very little (can't remember how old exactly, but I remember the event only too well). I remember heaving and gagging and vomiting and it was absolutely terrible. I ended up only being able to brush my teeth with water (I think I tried salt at one point too which was okay but seemed pointless). I can't stand the smell or taste of mint or anything even vaguely minty. Just the smell makes me gag! I also have issues with stuff foaming in my mouth. I have issues at the Dentist with anything that tastes bad. I can't handle having my teeth cleaned because the tooth powder they use makes me gag. I also hate the taste of the injections and treatment, I am often sedated.

My teeth don't look awful (but they aren't lovely and white because I can't use whitening toothpaste). I don't have bad breath but my dentist bills are enormous (I'm private because I need sedation). I'm 30 and I've had three root canals already. Crappy teeth run in the family but mine are the worst.

I can use and do use Xylitol and Hydrogen Peroxide as a mouthwash but I have concerns about the HP because I've heard it can wear away tooth enamel and mine is surely weaker than most.

Am considering giving this a go, as I can leave out the mint and it hopefully won't foam:
wellnessmama.com/5252/remineralizing-tooth-powder-recipe/

I've ordered this just because it's not minty, although I've been putting off trying it because of the thought of gagging: www.amazon.co.uk/Eucryl-Smokers-Tooth-Powder-Original/dp/B001ECQRU0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382859534&sr=8-1&keywords=tooth+powder

My cousin's daughter appears to have the same problem. She's been doing fine on the strawberry toothpastes but needs to move on up to the next kids toothpaste level and she's been gagging too. Seems to run in the family, what the hell is it?

My questions are:

• Has anyone else got this/heard of it?
• Does anyone have any suggestions?

I expect some of you to be horrified. I know it sounds utterly disgusting. I am filled with shame about it, so nothing you can say to me will make me feel any worse!

The hygienist bit is important.
Let her/him remove the plaque and rinse with just water. Ask to skip the polishing bit at the end this time, you might feel rough edges where the plaque has been removed, but that's ok. It's a trial, you can stop at any moment and walk out, it takes time and it's absolutely fine, it's only once a year.

And ask if she's got something to polish with that isn't minty, the next time (like in:next year) you could have a bit of polish minus the cream, iyswim.
The fear of the unknown is the worst. You're not scared of finding out. Have a chat with her/dentist and ask to see exactly what they are using, why etc. just find out. You don't like it, come back here, we might suggest some alternatives.

Really really happy for you though. :)

Glad you are feeling so much better about it.

Mint aggrevates my sensitive teeth I now use this toothpaste, has adult strength fluoride in it and no mint what so ever

Elmex in a green tube...

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Elmex-Sensitive-Green-Toothpaste-3-x-75ml-UK-SELLER-FAST-DELIVERY-/261237918492?pt=UK_HealthBeauty_DentalCare_RL&hash=item3cd2fe4b1c

Coconut oil is supposed to be really good for teeth

JazzAnn It's good for some people, not all we're all different

Sorry I hadn't read someone had already suggested it

Arm and Hammer do a couple of bicarbonate toothpastes, you'd probably get them in Boots, also I don't think original Sensodyne toothpaste is minty, and it doesn't foam much at all.
Use a very small amount of paste, most people use far too much. I'd go easy on the smokers toothpaste as it can be very abrasive.
Instead of brushing in the morning when the gag instinct is high, try brushing in the early evening.

So happy for you :) Really great you feel so much more positive and the bicarbonate of soda is already making a difference. Definitely worth giving the oil pulling a try. I can't believe how much whiter mine look. Ive been doing it for about 5 months now and am very impressed with the results. I hope you do go to see the hygienist because I'm sure once you've been once you'll be find them not at all shocked and hopefully they'll be able to help you keep your fangs in good shape. So glad you posted and that it helped.

Euthymol is eucalyptus flavoured.

Can you still get it? I used to love that one.

OP - you have my every sympathy. I was just like you with every pregnancy. I felt like I had a skanky dirty secret because I just could not brush my teeth in the morning. By lunchtime I could usually manage, as long as I had non-minty, non-foaming toothpaste. I can't remember the name if the toothpaste, but if I do I will post it here.

Now, due to allergies, I can't use most toothpastes. Toms of Maine do several that I can t

olerate, the best IMO being Silly Strawberry. It's marketed as a children's toothpaste, but has the full 1400ppm fluoride that adult toothpastes have.

Try also chewing sugar-free gum after every meal. It will help remove scraps of food.

Never heard of oil-pulling before. Very interested!

Dentyl! There was IIRC a minty one and a clovey one.

It sounds like there are much better solutions out there now than there used to be but I just wanted to add that many years ago, the dentist recommended my mother used TCP as a mouthwash. Obviously it isn't minty and it has a very strong taste (although I think you water it down a little) but it was supposed to help sooth sore gums and cut down on gum disease as well as freshen your mouth and kill nasties that lurk in the nooks and grannies.

As I say, I am sure there are milder and better performing products out there now but I thought I would mention it since taste seems to be an issue.

And can I also just add that I don't think you are disgusting for not using toothpaste either. You are doing your best to maintain your teeth not totally ignoring them. As others have said it is the brushing that is important, the toothpaste is just a little extra help.

Hope you find a permanent solution.