I’m paranoid over having bad breath and too scared to start dating

DEAR DEIDRE: MY eight-year-old daughter is constantly telling me that my smile is “ugly’” puts her off her food and my breath smells.

I brush my teeth twice a day, use mouthwash and regularly visit the hygienist, but nothing seems to be working.

I’m 45, and single. I’d really like to meet someone, but I’m scared to put myself out there now.

My daughter first mentioned it in the summer.

I was giving her a cuddle on the sofa when she said, “Daddy, please don’t smile.”

Now she’ll bring it up most days. I’m so insecure that I chew gum every time I’m out in public.

Some days I do it for so long that my jaw starts to ache.

Please help.

DEIDRE SAYS: Kids are brutally honest, which can be a blessing and a curse.

Visit your dentist, who will check if there are any problems with your teeth or gums, as sometimes infections or gum disease can be the culprit.

Bad breath can also be caused by having a dry mouth, acid reflux, and tonsillitis.

I’m sending you my support pack Freshness Worries? which has some useful tips to try.

Please think about talking this through with someone sympathetic, outside the situation such as a therapist.

My support pack on Counselling explains more. It will enable you to work out whether or not it would be helpful for you to talk to either of them about this.