Mint phobia

[band_gazebo]

I used to think I just really hated mint, but I'm starting to think its more than that. The smell of it makes me gag, I can't kiss my fiance if he has brushed his teeth within the hour, I have always used Crest's sparkle blue toothpaste.

The reasons I'm thinking this is more than a dislike is that I have trouble even touching things that are related to mint. I can't clean the bathroom sink because there was mint there, I can't walk through the toothpaste aisle, and I am very anxious at the dentist because I could be touching mint at any time. This mint phobia has expanded to a general dislike or disgust of dental things, such as toothpaste or gum in any flavor. The worst example in my life was that when I got my wisdom teeth removed, while I was knocked out the surgeon used a numbing medicine that was mint flavored and when I woke up I immediately threw up, making a mess of my new wounds. Because of this problem, I've also had a severe self-consiousness of my breath.

Of all flavors to have this problem, it is rather inconvenient considering its connection to dental hygiene and breath freshness. I've never been able to find someone like me, so I guess thats why I'm here, to see if anyone has this problem and to find some support or advice.
Thanks!

 

[Anxious_Chrissy]

Hi,

I do not have the same problem re mint in particular, however there are some smells which I cannot tolerate and make me feel nauseous so I understand what you are saying.

There are plenty of toothpastes which are not mint flavoured. I use a citrus one as I prefer it to mint - it started because I had homeopathic treatment and I was told not to use mint, but now I find it too strong. Mint can be an overpowering smell (can you get fiance to use non-mint toothpaste? - fennell is quite refreshing).

 

[Snowball]

I'm t'other way - I love mint. I grow loads of different varities of it in my garden, too! But funnily enough, the taste of that repellent baking soda makes me gag. Why are they suddenly putting a 19thC baking ingredient in toothpaste? Never happened til a couple of years back (in the UK) - and I just don't get it. We'll be black leading grates and wearing bustles next... Might as well just clean your teeth with salt and have done.

I'd have thought there's plenty of choice out there. If you don't like mint, don't touch it (like I avoid the disgusting baking soda ones). Health food shops have some interesting non chemicalised toothpastes but they're probably not a good idea if not got flouride in.

No law against mixing them, either.

But for me the mintier the better.

 

[Bob]

To Band_Gazebo,
I only recently found your post and I would like to tell you with great delight that you are certainly not the only one with such a phobia. I can't stand the taste or smell of mint. I have had similar experiences as yourself. Toothpaste and mouthwash are a no go area for me so much so that I dread the thought of even having to pick up a tube of toothpaste at the supermarket. I have been like this since I was a little girl.

I am really pleased that I am not the only person who has a mint phobia. I'm really thrilled, actually. I don't feel as weird now. Thanks!

Unfortunately, I cannot offer you any advice. All I can say is that you are not the only person to have such a phobia. Hopefully, that will be some consolation.

Bob.

 

[tabdrinker]

I am so happy that I discovered this forum...All of you out there that have mint phobia...PLEASE tell me there's a solution. It totally affects my life. It's like mint is everywhere everywhere!!!!!! I can't stand it!!!!!!!! If Patrick Dempsey showed up at my door and was chewing gum and asked me to kiss him I'd have to decline....I can't eat anything or drink anything if I smell it anywhere...I don't know what to do...
As far as the dentist goes...I ask the dental hygenist to use a child's flavor when polishing my teeth. They normally say do you want grape or cherry and I love cherry so I pick that. It helps a lot! Please someone respond to me...

 

[ronycough]

My 4 year old instantly gags when she smells spearmint type gum and she my have reacted to the smell of my toothpaste today which she hasn't done before. The gagging happens so fast it is amazing. I would not have thought the smell would have traveled that fast. And it has happened when she is not looking at the person who is chewing. I have just started researching this. I am getting more concerned after each episode.

 

[amedina84]

Band_gazebo: I am exactly the same way, I mean exactly. Any of you have had difficulty going on dates because of this?

 

[comfortdentist]

Mintphobia
Well there are alternatives in the dental world.

 

[gre1119]

@band_gazebo I know exactly how you feel. If you ever found a solution please tell me.