Halitophobic. Stinky floss. Argh

[toothworries]

That's it, really.

I have severe anxiety about my breath. Brush thoroughly at least twice a day (more if going out or having a meeting), brush tongue, use Listerine, etc. I've been using an interdental brush, but apparently not well enough. I decided to use floss for a change, and to my immense embarrassment and worry, the floss did not smell great afterwards. Especially with certain teeth which are close together. There was not all that much plaque, but it had that distinctive and horrible smell.

Does this happen? Is it just me? Am I frightening the population with my wallpaper-curling breath after all? I may lack proportion...

Have you ever seen a dental hygienist? They'll give them a thorough going over and give you advice.

I kept ignoring my dentist's advice about using an electric toothbrush because I hate the sensation but after this last visit I had to bite the bullet as my gums aren't looking good on the insides of my teeth.

The amount of crap that came out the first time was incredible, it really got in between, even round my crowded lower jaw. When I floss now there is hardly anything there to come out. I use one that has a gum setting as well as normal and I have to admit, the dentist was right!

Gobbin, which toothbrush do you use?
I've just had a conversation with my dentist about going electric and am dreading it as the sensation makes me feel sick. But if you can do it, maybe I can too.
Toothworries, unless your friends, family and colleagues are rooting around in your mouth, I suspect you have little to worry about. But an extra visit to the hygienist might put your mind at rest.

MrsCakes The Braun pro 2000, half price in Tesco at the moment (which was the deciding factor in me buying it last week!)

www.tesco.com/groceries/product/details/?id=284409843

...and on the advice of the dentist bought a pack of three Braun Precision Clean heads too, as they are the right size for getting in the nooks and crannies. Cheaper at Tesco than Boots.

www.tesco.com/groceries/product/details/?id=267324916

Thanks so much for replies :) I'm about to move to a new town and have just registered online with a dentist so I can make a hygienist appointment ASAP. I'm a bit reassured because I flossed after lunch and there was no great ickyness (I'd done it before last thing at night, after wine, without brushing first) which suggests it was probably a temporary thing rather than awful rotting gum disease.

My anxiety's whispering to me still, but I do know it's irrational -- and there have to be levels of breath odour, right? I tend to make the mental leap from "no smell at all" to "full force halitosis", possibly because the only time I've noticed anyone else's breath has been when it's really bad.

MrsCake, you made me laugh (which was much needed). The only one who gets that close is DH and he swears I'm fine. I should perhaps listen, and just look after my teeth and gums for positive, non-dysfunctional reasons :)

Ime the floss always stinks - and I meticulous about my teeth but they are very very close together and I guess the food just collects during the day. Gross.

Thanks Idont (I don't like Aldi either, btw). Feeling a bit more normal :)

Gobbin - thanks for that.

I am anxious about breath, too. I always chew gum (even though I'm aware it isn't a 'pretty' habit).

FWIW my dentist told me mouthwash is fine for a quick freshen up if you're unable to not brush your teeth, but using it after brushing isn't the right thing to do, as toothpaste is designed to protectively coat your teeth, and mouthwash just rinses all the good stuff off.

If any dentists reply and this is the wrong information, feel free to correct me!But I am sure that's what he said.

That's good to know, sunflower. I know to space it out if using Corsodyl, so it makes sense that it would be the same with other mouthwashes.

I only recently found out that you're supposed to spit, not rinse, and that was on MN!

Spit toothpaste, that is.

The first few times you floss your teeth the smell is at it's worst, because you are stirring up all the food debris, plaque and bacteria. Often you get some blood too, which can smell. After you've done it a few times all that settles down and the pong is virtually nil. If you are worried about halitosis, surely it's better that the odour is on the floss rather than between your teeth?!

As an aside, my DS(17) gets shocking bad breath and the dentist suggested lactose intolerance. With a bit of experimenting we found that yoghurt and milk on cereal does it.

Get one of these. You can see the bits getting blasted out. It's brilliant.

Plus a bit of Extra chewing gum every now and again when I am in the car alone. Hate to see others chewing so don't inflict it on anyone else.

Gosh yes, absolutely, bonzo, it is. I am a convert to the proper floss. It's more a question of "good God, have I been going around smelling like that?"

Sparkling, I've heard a lot of good things about those. Definitely going to try one.

I floss often, and the floss still smells sometimes. Please don't worry, I have never had anyone tell me that my breath smells.

It takes a bit of practice tooth. If you switch it on before you put it in your mouth and close it the jet can spray the bathroom walls.
Plus don't use v cold water, I put a bit of warm in.

If you eat some granary toast/cereal then use it-you should see all the bits that come out that would have normally been in your teeth all morning.

It is very reassuring IYKWIM. Plus useful for cleaning round the bottom of the sink taps.

Thanks Vicious and Sparkling (what a combination!) Definitely going to have to get a Waterpik, then. I can never get the gunge out of the bottom of the taps.

I'll be ditching the interdental brush, anyway. It was fine where I had enough of a gap, but some of my teeth really are too close together. Floss/waterpik seems far more efficient.

That looks great, Sparkling. A bit big though! Am tempted to try one... wonder how many Boots points I have!

YY the water tank makes it a bit big. That's the entry level one-there are pricier ones.......