Young Woman Decides To Berate Boyfriend Instead Of Comforting Him During Toothache Problems, Says He Could Have Prevented It

"He flosses regularly and uses mouthwash, but he only brushes once a day."

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• November 11, 2023

Dental health, often sidelined in the hustle of everyday life, is a cornerstone of overall well-being. Poor oral hygiene can lead to not only discomfort but also severe health issues. This narrative echoes the struggles many face in maintaining consistent dental care, aggravated by a lack of routine or fear of dentists.

In a shared living situation, one's habits, or the lack thereof, often become a point of contention. This Reddit story dives into such a scenario.

OP lives with someone who, despite disliking the dentist, neglects crucial preventive care. While flossing and using mouthwash are parts of their routine, brushing their teeth seems to be a once-a-day affair, much to the OP's dismay and concern.

The situation escalates when a dental appointment gets canceled, and the partner fails to reschedule. This lapse in action leads to excruciating pain, resulting in multiple emergency room visits.

Interestingly, the OP's partner opts for his mother's company over the OP's, possibly sensing her frustration. Despite the urgency, the partner still avoids scheduling a follow-up with an emergency dental office.

When the pain resurfaces, the OP is less than sympathetic, questioning the partner's inaction and reluctance to adopt a more rigorous dental hygiene routine. The OP, who has never experienced tooth pain and maintains a strict oral hygiene regime, views the partner's suffering as self-inflicted and preventable.

This leads to the OP's internal conflict and their query: "Am I the asshole (AITA)?" for lacking empathy in a situation they believe could have been easily avoided with proper care and timely medical attention.

OP's boyfriend dislikes going to the dentist, but he doesn't take proper preventive measures to avoid dental issues.

Recently, he had severe pain, went to the hospital multiple times, and was given a number to schedule an emergency dental appointment, but he never called.

OP's boyfriend experienced tooth pain, but OP didn't offer comfort because she thought it could have been prevented through better dental care.

OP doesn't know the cause of his pain, so she shouldn't judge him so harshly.

OP's lack of compassion is concerning

It's important to be supportive rather than judgmental in this situation.

OP is in the wrong for blaming him and not offering comfort when he's in excruciating tooth pain.

OP has to choose between being right or being a supportive partner.

Instead of showing compassion when he's in pain, OP is getting annoyed.

There are moments when you should keep your thoughts to yourself.

OP has a right to refuse going to the ER with him, but her attitude isn't helping the relationship.

Dentists can be judgmental and cause childhood trauma.

It's really important to understand that even if the OP is upset with her partner for causing his tooth problems, it's a time when he needs comfort and help.

When someone is hurting and upset, having a family member or partner who cares and comforts them is very important. While it's okay to feel frustrated, it might not be the best time to express those feelings when someone is in pain.

Instead, it's better to talk about the issue and offer support once the immediate pain is gone. In the end, taking care of a loved one during tough times is a big part of having a healthy and loving relationship.

Damjan