Off Topic- Personal Hygiene Advice

OMGosh! I was pondering over this same thing today. My bff and I spent a lot of time together this weekend, and she is truly beautiful and has an amazing smile. But I felt so horrible that my eyes and attention kept being averted to the layers of plaque caked up on her teeth. I really don't know what to say, but feel like I should say something. I hope that you get some helpful responses- sorry I wan't one of them

Sometimes dropping hints works like if you bring up something you did and relate it to them, like "oh my goodness I feel gross today. I feel like I haven't showered all week." or "I'm really not looking forward to going to the dentist next week (month, whatever). Don't you just hate going to the dentist?"

Normally they already know they have issues in the department, but when people start bringing it up maybe it would be a little bit of a wake up call.

I had this issue with my mom. I didn't have the heart to tell her, and she has some bad teeth, so when I graduated from law school I offered to get her some dentures made and sent her off to the dentist. He apparently told her what the deal was in no uncertain terms, because we haven't had much of an issue since. I couldn't afford the work that she needed done, but she did something because we don't have that problem anymore (even though she still doesn't brush!).

When i was in high school i had a stomach problem and digestion was difficult so during sports practice I would burp something awful. This made my breath gross apparently, I had no idea because I brushed my teeth 3 times a day. Some friends told me about, I sought out a doctor and have never had a problem since, i even ask close friends from time to time.

It was awkward but i became very self aware.

FH has a habit of not brushing his teeth, and I just say it outright "you need to brush your teeth" and then I make a habit of coming downstairs when I'm brushing mine and tell him to come brush his teeth with me, that way I know he's doin it...not that I need to babysit him...he just sometimes says "yea I know" and then never does it...I care about my teeth and I care about his, not having proper plumbing neither of us get showers as often as we would like, but we still go down to his moms several times a week and get showers...

I have asked a friend before if they have seen the Colgate wisp min-brush (I usually have a pack in my purse) and will offer one to them. I always keep mints or gum in my purse and will get one out for me and then offer a piece to my friend or whoever it is that I’m around that I think really could use one. I guess I try and take the sneaky way out when it comes to dealing with someone’s poor hygiene .

I once dated a guy who seriously thought he didn't need to use an antiperspirant or deodorant because he seriously thought he didn't smell (people can't smell themselves). I didn't tell him that he stunk. I just pointed out that an antiperspirant would eliminate the wet spots and subsequent stains on his shirts. It worked.

FH has a terrible time brushing his teeth on a regular basis. It's gotten to the point where I will deny kisses until he does it. I only deny kisses for that reason and when he won't shave his damn face. That stubble is painful!

OMG - glad to see I'm not the only one...FH has a terrible time brushing his teeth on a regular basis and I don't know why especially when he sees me brush my teeth at least 2 to 3x a day....Usually I'm always like "did you brush your teeth" especially if he drank milk, one of his protein shakes, or ate something gross and if not I'm like "dude please do".....he gets a little mad but I'm like "hey at least I'm being honest"

@ Jesi I do the same thing hahahahah - usually I will always buy those colgate wisp for FH and I always carry mints around - we are together the majority of the time so if I get a mint he gets a mint as well

Unless you are legitimately concerned for health reasons or the person smells strongly enough to distract the people at work, it's not really your business how often s/he showers or uses a toothbrush. Just let it go.

Thanks everyone. Thought I was alone in this. It's my fiance who has the issue, and I haven't quite figured out how to bring it up, but it's really started getting on my nerves!

Ask him to come shower with you ;-) Bowchicka bow wow

It can also be another issue besides not brushing. I had a family member who always had bad breath. I know he brushed his teeth, but he couldn't afford to go to the dentist. Finally he went to the dentist and found out he had a decayed tooth that needed to be pulled.

If you live in the same area, you can try something like "Which dentist do you go to? I'm always looking for someone that's closer to home..." and see what they say.

Personal hygiene is must, one should always be self aware about it. Because it can hamper your social image as well as personal life. Excessive sweat is a similar kind of issue.