Please send your questions for publication to prudence@slate.com.

Dearest Prudie,

I read your column religiously, and though I never thought I would have the opportunity to avail myself of your services, it just today occurred to me to write you about a problem that might be fairly common. My significant other, the love of my life, the mate of my soul, does not brush his teeth as often as I'd like him to. I have dropped many hints. I have pestered, begged, groveled, and even threatened him. I bought him one of those interesting-looking utensils used to make flossing easier. (To his credit, he used it once.) He, like many men, has a fragile ego, and while I'd like to broach the subject with him, I wish to do it in a way that doesn't hurt his feelings—if possible.

—Holding My Breath in Portland, Ore.

Dear Hold,

Prudie applauds your wish to be gentle with the love of your life, the mate of your soul. She questions, though, whether a flossing device—given as a gift—along with pestering, begging, groveling, and threats qualify as "hints." Because your relationship is an intimate one, and sounds loving, you can and should be direct. Just tell him that his breath, somewhat frequently, is not fresh (that's a good word in this instance) and that it would be good for his social interactions (as well as romantic) if he would brush his teeth more often. I say brush because the mints and sprays do not necessarily solve the problem. There is a chance that your beloved has an internally generated halitosis, and he might want to see a dental specialist about this. If he just plain forgets to brush, then you must "retrain" him so that it becomes routine.

—Prudie, breathlessly

Dear Prudence,

Even after 10 years of marriage, my husband's mother still refuses to accept or acknowledge me. If I answer when she calls our house, she asks, "Who's this?" My husband and I are happily married and see very little of her, as we live in a different city from her. But this still bothers me, because it has been going on for so long. I'm not going anywhere, so she needs to accept the fact that we are together. What should I do? I try not to think about it, but when she does call it makes me angry. Thanks for a prudent answer.

—Shunned Wife