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Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

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Original poster

bad breath

11 replies

whatdoithinknow · 23/12/2012 06:29

Is there any way of letting your partner know they need to step up their oral hygiene and go to see dentist hygienists without hurting their feelings too much? I cant just come out with 'your breath stinks! But hinting doesn't seem to do anythin either...! Should I just make the appointment maybe? I know he'll complain about the price of it but how can I tell him I'd gladly pay £40 to get it sorted out?

OP posts:

HECTheHallsWithRowsAndFolly · 23/12/2012 06:46

Nope. There isn't.

I recently had to tell my husband this.

I said

I love you, but your breath STINKS. It smells like rotting meat. You need to go to the dentist.

And he said oh god.

And I said far better me who loves you tells you than you go round talking to people. I know you'd do the same for me.

I favour the direct approach

Original poster

whatdoithinknow · 23/12/2012 07:18

Mgoh no that is what I suspected! I'm not the most tactile person so I wanted to avoid the direct approach but if its the only way....thanks for reply!

OP posts:

steppyhen · 23/12/2012 21:40

buy a mouthwash ?

tiredofwaitingforitalltochange · 23/12/2012 21:43

Leave him :)

No, seriously, have never been in this situation (thank God) but the only way is to shoot from the hip.

HEC your post made me lol.

Good luck!

tiredofwaitingforitalltochange · 23/12/2012 21:44

And £40 is cheap to get rid of such a grim problem. How dare he complain it's expensive? He doesn't have to smell it!

dequoisagitil · 23/12/2012 21:48

It's for his own good - it's probably gum problems and he won't want to lose teeth.

freeandhappy · 23/12/2012 21:54

How about just saying I think you might be suffering from a bit of gingivitis an should prob have it checked? It can be treated so it's not a massive insult.

mercury7 · 23/12/2012 21:54

does he already brush /floss/scape his tongue etc?

CatPussRoastingOnAnOpenFire · 23/12/2012 22:10

I feel for you. I've been hinting subtly. From tiny acorns and all that...

Alliwantisaroomsomewhere · 23/12/2012 23:47

You will have to try the direct approach. I had to with DH - turns out his complaints about the cost of dental work was a cover for his extreme phobia with respect to dentists. An abscess which was excrutiating meant he can no longer avoid the dentist. He is seeing a hygienist next week and I cannot wait....

BertieBotts · 23/12/2012 23:50

DP has told me if my breath stinks in the past. He's apologetic but blunt

You'd tell him if his hair was sticking up, right? Or if he had something stuck to his back.

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