| A
female
,
anonymous
writes: This is a kind of odd post. I have a new boyfriend and everything is absolutely amazing, only his teeth are really really disgusting. When he smiles you can see this nasty whitey yellow stuff acumilating on his gums and teeth. I know it's not a medical thing, he just really needs to clean his teeth. But how can i possibly ask him to clean his teeth without it being awkward for the both of us? Reply to this Question
Share |
Fancy yourself as an agony aunt? Add your answer to this question! A
female
reader, willywombat  +, writes (18 June 2006):
 I think this is a case of being cruel to be kind. You need to tell this guy outright that his poor dental hygiene is off putting. I am sorry, but if doesn't look after his teeth what does the rest of his hygiene routine consist of?
A
female
reader, Wendyg +, writes (18 June 2006):
 Lol at the last anonoymous poster with the Austin powers movie! But being a male he probably wont get the hint, alot of men dont do hints, you have to come outright and tell them. Now i know its not the best thing to be telling someone but its in his interests to do something about it. Say something like you have a dental appointment, say they told you were incorrectly brushing them and they warned you that if you dont brush properly you will lose some of your lovely teeth, then casually say i guess its something we all take for granted and maybe he should brush his properly too, and give an example something like that... or ask if he wants a check up, you notice he hasnt been in a while, or each time you brush yours, tell him you have left the light on in the bathroom for him to go in after and brush his.. mention things like i think we need new toothbrushes, which one would you like, what toothpaste would you prefer.. If it were my bloke however I would come straight out and tell him! I wouldnt pussy foot around, not nice granted but sometimes being direct is the only way and well its for his benefit!
Good luck
...............................
A
male
reader, anonymous, writes (18 June 2006): Sit your boyfriend down, and watch Austin Powers. When Liz Hurley starts hinting to Austin about his teeth, tell your boyfriend that you find guys with pearly whites sooo sexy. Then mention a guy you know who isn't particularly nice looking but his pearlt whites just do something for you. Make him up if you have to. Your boyfriend will get a little jealous, but he will also TAKE THE HINT. Jealousy is a very powerful thing.
If this doesnt work, Austin Powers is a funny movie.
Good luck
...............................
A
reader, Rainee  +, writes (17 June 2006):
 Here's one thing you can do: Before you potentially hurt his feelings, try the passive-aggressive approach - when he comes for a visit, excuse yourself to go brush your teeth (and say so) and tell him that you just ate something and want to freshen up before your date (or what have you) because a clean set of teeth makes a sexier smile, and makes you feel more kissable. This has the value of looking like the issue is more with you than him (so he doesn't feel a pointed attack) and hopefully your guy catches the clue. This can also be done outside of the home - just carry a travel pack of brush and paste in your purse and use it whenever you go out to eat (technically, everyone is supposed to brush after eating anyways). This might foster a good habit if you Lead By Example.
...............................
A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (17 June 2006): hi all yuo would have to do is buy him a toothbrush or take him to the dentist for a random checkup the both of you could go. play a game ill tell you what u can change and you can tell me what i can change sort of thing. maybe if you would both go to the dentist for a check up, he oculd get the scrape where all the plack gets scraped off. hope this helps x
...............................
A
reader, anonymous, writes (17 June 2006): You may need to briefly hurt his feelings, but as his girlfriend, you are uniquely qualified to break this kind of bad news. If possible, try and frame the problem as one of health and less one of aesthetics, as in "do you ever worry about getting cavities? I've noticed you forget to brush your teeth sometimes. If you don't take better care of them, you'll have a smile that's all gums someday!" This gets the point across without him feeling unattractive (hopefully).
...............................
|
