A delicate dilemma.
By Fiacre Banks
@xFiacre (14336)
Ireland
March 8, 2026 4:20pm CST
Retirement has given me more time to address dilemmas heretofore left to simmer because of the pressures of a busy life. Just tonight I revisited an old chestnut that perhaps you too are wrestling with, and if that is the case I’d appreciate your input.
Whenever I used to eat out at fairly good restaurants I was always torn between brushing my teeth beforehand, and going out without applying toothpaste.
The problem, as I understood it, was that if I didn’t brush I’d get told off for being smelly by she who is the only one to get close enough to be offended. If I didn’t brush I’d brush then the taste of the toothpaste might clash with the flavours of the up and coming meal and spoil an expensive evening out.
Do you have this dilemma? What is your solution?
6 people like this
7 responses
@Traceyjayne (8729)
• United Kingdom
15h
I usually brush my teeth before going out ….unless it’s the local pub, for a few drinks …
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (169601)
• United States
19h
When I was still married, I'd brush before we went out and try to drink enough water or chew some gum before we got to the restaurant so the taste didn't clash. Now, Pretty doesn't say anything if I "forget" to brush before we go out to eat. 
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (215860)
• United States
6h
When I was dating my husband I would always brush before going out. Now I don't make a special effort to brush before going out to eat.
@xFiacre (14336)
• Ireland
20h
@ineeddentures Restaurant standards have slumped here while prices have levitated. And I’m not sure about the quality of clientele.
1 person likes this
@Ineeddentures (20900)
•
19h
@xFiacre
Seems to me here that they will not refuse entry to anyone.
We were out in Glen Isla at quite amposj gaff guv, and I couldn't believe that there are people who do not know which cutlery is used for the Fish Course - how dare they...
1 person likes this
