Let me start by saying I have had halitosis for as long as I can remember. I mean even when I was a little boy I recall having problems. When I was about 10 me and some friends would play kissing games with girls. I always wondered why they would shy away when it came to be my turn. Now I know. I would say since high school (13 and up) I have been aware of my problem to a full extent.
Over the years it has just got worse, most likely due to my diet and un-active lifestyle. However that is not a reflection on the type of person I am, rather the depressive slump I have found myself in for the last 10 years.
And when I say depressive slump I really mean it. Halitosis has literally ruined my life. No joke. Every aspect of what many would consider a "normal" existence has been adversely affected by this cruel disease. Whether it be getting a driver's license, going to college, getting a job, hanging out with friends, having a girl friend, or something as simple as having a nice meal with family. It's all ruined because of halitosis. There are disabled people in wheel chairs that probably have more social interaction than I do. And I realise that's a pretty sick thing to say.
In some ways I’m very grateful for the person I am. I have an otherwise healthy body and never have to go to the doctors and without sounding too vain I believe I am pretty smart and reasonably handsome
And yet there is this over whelming shadow of grief and misery caused by something so simple.
Why?
The funny thing is no one really knows I have it. They just think I am some weirdo that likes to stand 15ft away when I talk to them. In fact, most people think it’s THEM that has a problem. They ask me “what’s wrong, do I smell bad or something?” “Why do you always stand so far away?”
Friends use to try and get me to go out with them to clubs and bars… I always declined and made up some stupid excuse, so they just stopped asking. It’s strange how much you miss even the most basic stuff when you can’t do it.
The real killer though is when I think about the past few years and how many opportunities and experiences I have lost out on because of halitosis. I have no real education, no friends, no job, no money and very few real prospects for the future. My life is just slipping away and nothing is being accomplished. That is pretty scary.
When I was about 17 I really cared. I really tried to actively find a result. I couldn’t believe my luck when I first came across TheraBreath. And then the disappointment when I realised it didn’t work. In fact, I now believe that site is nothing more than some clever marketing scam.
Anyway what more is there to say? Life sucks and this is proof of that. There are people in far worse scenarios than myself and I do feel bad when I think about them, but if I’m been really honest I don’t care. Not only has this problem screwed up most the crucial decisions in my life, it has also made me into a pretty selfish person (among other things).
I do think these forums are great though and I will take the time over the next few days to read through as many threads as I can. I have a horrible feeling that there is no cure. Perhaps a healthy lifestyle and drinking plenty of water is the only real “solution.” Or perhaps there are multiple types of halitosis caused by a wide range of varying factors. I for one think just changing your toothpaste or using some miracle mouthwash will accomplish nothing. What if the problem is a more serious one such as your stomach? And then we have the issue of knowing who to trust. How do we know people giving advice aren’t just trying to sell some new product to get the money?
My apologies if this post is self-centred. For over a decade I have tried to control and hide my problems. The thoughts expressed above are really just the tip of the ice burg.
Good luck to you all
