My story
Authored by: long suffering on Saturday, September 24 2011 @ 06:53 PM MDTI can relate to all of the comments so well. When I was five my mom took me to the dentist, and I was so afraid (actually screamed loudly) that I didn't go back until high school. I have not missed a dentist appointment in the last 20 years. I have been under the care of a periodontist, a general dentist, an oral surgeon and a couple of other specialists. Most recently, I spent nearly $6000.00 for extractions and implants which were supposed to help my bad breath problem. I have tried probiotics, numerous mouth washes, mints, pills, even chlorophyll, and honestly I haven't seen any improvement. I work with Jr. High children and they complain about how bad the room smells. I know that it is my breath. It has been that way for as long as I can remember. My husband doesn't believe me, because it is worse when I talk long and loudly so that everyone in the room can hear me. Also, I have learned not to talk directly to my husband (strange, I know). Yesterday, a student told me that a friend of hers from another school (that I worked at briefly) told her that I "stunk up" the whole room. I was really devastated. Even though she told me privately, I could barely get through the rest of the class. It is really hard to do my job to the best of my ability because I try to keep my distance from students, yet still do the best that I can for them. I have always been a good teacher, but as I approach my senior years, my reputation is becoming that of a "stinky old teacher" and that's the way I am begining to feel. This bad breath problem drains so much emotional energy that it is really aging me. It helps a little to know that others have this same problem. I am going on a long plane trip and I am so afraid that I will sit between passengers and my mouth odor will offend them. With a window seat, I can at least face the window. On the econo tour, I wasn't able to request a seat, People who are not aware that these extreme breath problems exist think it's all a joke. I visited a friend's very small church. That Sunday, I had eaten so many mints that they compounded the problem. I heard a couple of people talking and laughing about it how I was smelling up the room afterwards. When I spoke with the minister, she even placed her hand to her nose. Sometimes, I don't know how I will continue to go on. I have people who depend on me for financial and emotional support. I can't afford to give up. Prayer helps. If you are Christians, please pray for me to be able to continue to live. I am writing this through tears; I am so tired. This mouth odor problem prevents me from becoming the complete person that I should be. It affects every aspect of my life. If you are one who thinks this is a joke, please don't post any mean-spirited comments suggesting that I do terrible things. Again, please pray for me.