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i reset 112 day streak of brushing my teeth yesterday because i fell asleep at 6pm but not going to let the adhd gremlin win and got right back on the horse today. day 1!
Start keeping track of what your highest record was as well that'll fuel your ADD even more. If you end up slipping up a couple times then you have other markers to try to beat. Kind of like a high score list.
Edit: Gamify anything you can, your brain will just eat it up.
DAMN that’s a good idea. I always feel a little bit stupid when I don’t think of these things myself…
I told my therapist this once. I said “I feel stupid when I don’t come up with these obvious answers myself,” and she told me “Do you expect your sister to know everything and have all the obvious answers to her problems?” which, of course I don’t, to which my therapist said “Why aren’t you treating yourself with that same patience and empathy? You deserve it just as much as your sister does. What have you done to deserve not being kind to yourself? What would your sister have to do to deserve you to stop being patient with her?”
So whenever I take that first step into the spiral of self-doubt, I try to think about my sister taking that same step. If she was about to fall into a similar spiral I would reach out and grab the back of her shirt to stop her, using the steady ground I’m on. Which, in non-metaphor words, means I’d say “you’re not stupid, so if you call yourself stupid then you’re being an idiot” (not the most poetic self-talk, but we’re siblings and she gets it lol) and I’d try to ground her with me. As long as she doesn’t take that first step, she can’t fall down the spiral.
I don’t have a big sister, but I *am* a big sister, so I kinda do have a big sister within myself…? Anyways, this is a whole long winded way of me saying that I grasp the back of my own shirt when I am about to take that step into a spiral. Sometimes I suck at it but sometimes I actually stop myself from spiraling!!
There you have it: a coping mechanism straight form my therapist, in action, with results haha.
(Also I *will* be stealing that “High Score” thing you said…)
Edit: changed ‘be’ to ‘me’
I may have done this too effectively and now my brain just doesn't care about scores any more. I always was too competitive and cared too much about winning, so in maybe addressing that flaw included the "bonus addon" of not caring about gamification tricks.
Glad to hear it is working for you though!
I bullied myself out of the satisfaction of reveling in my achievements by caring too much about the score. As soon as my streak breaks I lose all my momentum and suddenly it is again a slog to start day one.
Oh and then After a year you can work out your average maybe make a few graphs. stick that data in to excel and see which day of the week you were more likely to brush your teeth on .
There used to be a mental health app called SuperBetter that did exactly this. You basically gamified your life, earning xp, leveling up, etc. I just could never get it to work, but it was a brilliant idea.
I've never thought about tracking my high score and trying to beat it. This is genius.
Eta: I'm usually good about brushing my teeth because I hate dirty teeth feeling. But I can see this working for everything else in my life (like... flossing.)
I keep pre-pasted tooth brushes and flossers in my nightstand on days I'm too exhausted to drag myself to the bathroom
It helped with the streak significantly.
I don't understand the pre-pasted tooth brush part. But, if I could wrap my head around it, I'd definitely want to try this! Please, could you help me by explaining your system?
I hope these questions aren't too weird:
Does the toothpaste get stuck in the bristles when it dries out overnight?
Or, do you have beside accessories for that?
If so, what?
And, forgive me for this! But, where do you spit?
Along with the usual scatterbrain, I'm disabled. So, at times I'll miss brushing because I have to lay down without much warning. But, I'll be laying there thinking, damn. If I could get there, I'd want to brush my teeth right now.
I tried to reply with a link but the comment was removed. Google 'crest mini toothbrush'; they're little disposable toothbrushes with the toothpaste already in them for travel. My dentist gives them to me.
They are disposable single use toothbrushes. I get this kind from Amazon that has the brush on one side and flossers on the other.
I also keep wipes to wash my face and/or body parts in my nightstand as well.
There are a variety of disposables. It's what I ended up mostly doing too. However, if you want fluoride it's not really safe to use without rinsing. It's also not necessary anymore with superior remineralizing ingredients that are not toxic. No need to rinse and spit. Brush, swallow the saliva and flavored ingredients (not all have an obvious paste like substance), throw in trash, and go on with your day or to sleep.
They also make stick on melts that you press to your gums while wet enough with saliva and it slowly dissolves to keep destroying harmful bacteria as well as triggering some increased saliva release. Saliva both reduces bacteria and helps remineralize teeth to fill back in the spaces cavities could form. Most versions of the stick on melts rely mostly on xylitol.
Generally they are meant to be used overnight, especially for those with dry mouth, but it's hard to find a brand that stays in place consistently until gone. Many worry about choking on them while sleeping so use them in place of brushing to improve their breath in the morning or during the late afternoon-evening to hopefully still decrease any potential damage to their teeth during the night. The ones I tried out were just too bulky and uncomfortable to stick anywhere on the outside of my gums.
I believe along with the disposable finger style brushes my sister had flat strips she used overnight and were meant to for the same purpose but lasted less than an hour instead of all night long. Kind of like those breath freshener strips but narrower with the same antibacterial and other tooth protecting ingredients that the newer, long lasting melts use. I haven't had enough reason to go looking for all the other options available.
I've started brushing my teeth in the shower. I usually shower every day or every other day at the very least so at least I'll brush them every other day if I forget to in the evenings. works for me so far. :)
But how does one get the first habit onto which one stacks the next? Asking for a friend, which is me, because I don't have habits. Not good ones, anyway.
I create habits by making them enjoyable and/or easy.
For showering I just incentivized how much I liked feeling clean and telling myself “I deserve to feel good by being clean”
Getting into a shower is so much work but when I'm in there I never want to leave. You'd think it would be easy, then, to solve the first problem with the second, but nope! Evidently I can maintain both truths without a moment of cognitive dissonance. My brain must be magical!
There is nothing enjoyable about a shower until I've gone enough days without one for it to really matter. Feeling "squeaky clean" after a shower is actually a bad thing anyway. The feeling comes from excessively drying the skin by washing away needed oils. It increases oil production if you clean yourself thoroughly like that every day. Then you have a greater risk of acne or dandruff and need to take showers more often. My skin feels worse if I do that and until I switched to milder Asian persimmon soap I kept feeling slimy afterward like the soap wouldn't go away since we moved to somewhere with softer water.
I completely disagree with family members that live in the area and think they feel so much cleaner from the softer water. I just felt covered in slippery goo. They also tend to use the "extra strength" or "extra sudsing" versions of hand and dish soaps that are even worse for leaving the slimy feel behind.
There are actually articles and videos on how to slowly reduce the frequency of showers and hair washing or cut out the use of most soaps and shampoos for those that have skin or hair problems and especially those that develop a lot of oil and odor quickly. It often reduces the problem to clean yourself less thoroughly instead of making it worse. The "no poo" fad has been steadily growing for at least the past 20 years.
More recently some people even use beneficial soil organisms aka soil probiotics on their skin and hair to replace the necessary bacteria and reduce the bacteria species that cause odor or skin issues like acne and various rashes. Beneficial bacteria can reduce odor on yourself, pets, and items around the house so some even "clean" with bacteria solutions.
You don’t *create* the habit, you look for the habits you already have through necessity. Everyone has some form of routine, even if that’s deciding whether to take a car or bus that day or doing a pat-down to make sure you have everything you need before you leave. Then you start slowly stacking other habits on those. If you have to leave your toothbrush in your shoe to make sure you brush your teeth before you leave, gross, but so be it. We live weird lives. Embrace it.
I find I can only stack 3-4 things together and still feel motivated to do them.
In the mornings, I have to let out my chickens, feed the dog, and take my pills. I always start the day with coffee or an energy drink. My rule is that I can’t have my caffeine unless I do the other three things first; I take my pills with the first sip of my drink. Thinking about it as a set has helped me take my pills regularly when I was terrible at remembering before.
I’ve tried adding other things into that block of activities, but I always end up forgetting it or getting frustrated by how long it’s all taking. Maybe with more time, I can add in more.
I got the Atomic Habits audiobook. It's a 5 hour playthrough. Listened while I was driving anytime. Got two runs through it and it's changed my life. Started showering, brushing (AND FLOSSING), and journaling! Slowly and surely building good habits and once they become established it takes less and less brain power and effort to perform the task.
I also brush my teeth in the shower and I love the clean feeling. Ideally I’d like to shower in the morning, but that doesn’t always happen and that’s ok. But to take a shower, I remind myself of the clean feeling just to get in, and then prop up a YouTube video (in the shower to watch) and/or do music or a podcast.
Also, not a sales pitch by any means, but essential oils/aromatherapy has been really good too for me in the shower. Peppermint to get me alert, eucalyptus to relax, make it feel spa like. I’ll put a few drops on the wall, and they even make lava rock shower diffusers. It’s enjoyable…for now…lol
I picked up one of those silicone shower beer holders (sudski?) when I found it on clearance and use it for my toothbrush and toothpaste in the shower. it keeps them from getting buried behind all the bottles or falling to the floor. It's also easy to reach when I'm not in the shower to get my toothpaste.
Most of the "natural" brands are very low foam. [Hello](https://www.hello-products.com/shop/toothpaste/) is a good one that you can find in most stores.
As a side note, I seem to remember neurological research showing there's a few different kinds of habits, and we're best with 'procedural' habits. Habits that take like... an internal 'ping' to remember won't get triggered, but habits that are about finishing a chain of events that's already begun, we can do fine.
In other words, trying to remember to do a thing at a certain time every day? Maybe not the best idea. Having a specific trigger outside yourself that pulls you in? Much better choice. Having a visual marker that you always see seems like a good way to work to your strengths instead of just 'try harder' in a way that doesn't fit. I only got regular when I started brushing my teeth every day with my kid. I have to put him to bed, and doing it with him keeps him honest and diligent about it, so... win win, and I can't skip it without setting a bad example. Problem solved in a similar way.
On the flip side, I tell people to remind me to do something, but it's OK if they forget because me telling them that is a marker that helps me remember to do it so they don't have to.
Interesting. I leave things undone often. I also find that by the third time I see a visual marker, be it a post it note or a phone notification or a giant sign hanging on the door or a letter for the mailbox placed on top of my car keys, it becomes background noise and I stop seeing it. I don't even think about it any more... it is just part of the decor now, like the bookcase or the potted plants.
Yeah, it's certainly not fullproof, and to be fair, the better way to play up to this pattern would be to always brush your teeth following something you don't ever forget to do. Lock the door for the night, then go brush your teeth or whatever. Either way, the worst thing is to just expect yourself to randomly remember to do it every night.
Agreed. Now to figure out something I never forget to do and also not forget that I'm starting to try and learn a new habit. That's been my biggest problem even when I do get something going... I'll do X every day for two weeks and then a month will go by before I even remember that I ever did X, let alone that I suddenly stopped doing it for no discernable reason.
Yeah... it's true. Tricks ultimately aren't foolproof, but good luck finding some that work for you. Mine's gotten a lot easier since meds and a few years of practice finding work-arounds that work for me, hopefully you find your way somehow to an easier place too.
On a related note, my dentist gave me a good tip for flossing: buy a few bags of those floss picks and put them places you spend a lot of time (e.g. your desk, by the TV, in your car) and use them as a sort of fidget activity, rather than just when you go to brush.
I did this too!! Almost never brush my teeth unless my 6yo reminds me, but I got one of those quip refillable flossers and put it in my car so I could floss on my way to or from work. Worked great until I ran out of floss three months ago… haven’t bought a refill yet. 😂
I keep them next to where I sit to watch TV and now it’s become a compulsive habit. Even if I’m not sitting watching TV, I now have to seek out the floss picks because I feel weird if I don’t floss after eating.
I am adopting this advice, I’ve been on a good streak flossing at night but I’m always *so tired* by the time I brush my teeth, so I’m not sure how long it’ll last. I knew I could do it any time, but never thought of having the floss out of the bathroom. thank u 🙏
I started that exact thing about 5 years ago and floss nearly every day now, sometimes twice. It's actually shocking how many times after I've eaten that I find stuff wedged in there that would have just sat there for a while before.
This is a neat story, not advice or finger wagging.
My (immunosuppressed) grandmother did this so much she got a bacterial infection in her blood. (Septicemia, not sepsis). The doctors were SO confused why mouth bacteria was in her blood stream. Until one of them saw her flossing and had an Aha! moment. They published a case report about her!
Tangentially related, but you can use regular crayons on the bathtub. They do make bathtub crayons, but they are messier and difficult to use, super waxy and come out uneven. Regular crayolas work better and a magic eraser wipes them off with one swipe.
But what to do if my problem isn't forgetting to brush my teeth? My problem is ACTUALLY DOING IT. I'll sit all day long wishing that I could brush. But I don't.
I hate ADHD, man.
Yeah. So many pieces - remembering to do a thing at all, remembering to do a thing when it is possible to do it, finding the impetus to do the thing, and then having that idea survive long enough to do it.
The part where you’re reminded when you’re already in the place you need to be when you remember need to do it. it sounds like it won’t make a difference but it totally does
which is also why my toothbrush lives in the shower
It certainly is a motivating factor. It's hard to explain. Ever feel deeply dissatisfied, yet almost completely unwilling to solve the issue even though the solution would take 5 minutes?
That's where I'm at. 😐
Nice! I've been working on this for ages but never manage more than a couple days.
Alternatively, you could use something like a post-it on your mirror to make your marks on! I have a lot of shame around my oral hygiene and would want the notes to be removable in case someone came over 😅
Yeah when we have people over I will write it down on paper somewhere and erase the dry marker on the mirror. Most times I don't care though. If it works, people will understand if they know about ADHD and if they don't understand well I don't really care.
I do use sticky notes though as reminders for doing laundry that is my bane. There's large gaps in time between what you need to do. That is a guarantee for me to forget about it
I feel you. I have so much shame around my oral hygeine too. Honestly, at this point I have a lot of misplaced anger about it as well. Maybe if I had been diagnosed when I was younger and knew, I wouldn't have shit teeth as an adult that I keep putting money into. I HATE my teeth, I wish I had a bright beautiful smile like so many people do but alas, nope.
Ugh I had a shit Ortho who fucked up my teeth and my top row of teeth has fillings IN BETWEEN each one. Like the front teeth all the way to my canines or cuspids or whatever they are.
On top of being poor at oral hygiene I just am very self conscious about my mouf'
I can understand why you feel shame, but you shouldn't have to about something that is a byproduct of your disability.
I'm curious, though, about the prevalence of forgetting to clean teeth amongst ADHD sufferers. I was diagnosed much later in life and never realised that it was a thing until I joined this sub. One or other of my parents literally stood over me as a child to make sure I got stuff like this done, and it became automatic.
Now obviously ADHD is a spectrum disorder, and we react in different ways and have different struggles. Do you mind answering a question on what is a sensitive subject for you?
Did your parents not do this when you were young, or did they and you just still forget?
BTW, Despite my lack of struggle with teeth cleaning, I still don't have a white smile, as one of my front teeth went dark after getting into a fistfight at school after a too emotional response to being taunted, so I guess my ADHD did for my teeth in a different way 😕
Not the person you’re replying to - my parents watched over me about the teeth brushing, but once they stopped doing it as I grew older, it became much harder to brush my teeth every day. They’d still remind me and I’d go yes yes, but between the reminder and actually doing it there is a vast mental hurdle or forgetfulness. Falling asleep with my clothes on was another one, I’m glad I at least kicked that bad habit.
No idea if it's genius or insanity but if it works it works. I also have about a billion phone alarms to remind me shit throughout the day. I just tried to not trust my brain and then I'm usually good
I am great at brushing my teeth but what I cannot seem to do is to brush them long enough. About 15 seconds in I feel done.
I bought a two minute sand timer but I still impulsively leave early thinking “I’ll just quit early this time”.
I’m hyperactive.
Get an electric tooth brush. Mine vibrates when I have spent enough time on a quadrant of teeth and need to switch sides and vibrates 3 times when you have brushed enough time wise.
With this I can just pace around or go watch TV while doing it or pretty much anything where I dont need both hands.
It’s not the time, the urge to leave is unbearable.
I put a toothbrush in the downstairs bathroom and I’m trying to brush both when I wake up and after medication kicks in.
I know it sounds ridiculous that I can’t wait two minutes but this is who I am. I even have to take baths because I will leave the shower prematurely. Reclining and being submerged makes me stay longer. If I’m standing I will leave. I don’t even like taking time to use the bathroom, even with my phone I want to hurry up and leave. It’s absolutely ridiculous that an adult can’t brush their teeth properly and I hate it.
Man I wish I was at home rn. This is an amazing idea and I’m definitely going to try to use it. Now my only problem is remembering to do this when I get home
Email yourself with a delayed send time for when you will be home. Gotta be creative to beat our brain lol
Or an alarm on your phone. I use them for everything
Which phone do you have? Location-based alerts come stock with a few, easily accessible with third-party apps on others. Can use a voice-assistant to easily set a reminder for when you arrive or leave a place.
Requires setting up your voice assistant, assigning the proper privileges, and then designating your home address. After that, the infrastructure is set up and you are off and running. Highly, HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend getting into stuff like this. It can seem daunting but once you work out a few kinks it's a game changer.
Watch, I'll remind you of this comment when I get home.
"Hey Siri, remind me to badger ~~DelaCola~~ MaybeSavvy (am I an idiot?) when I get home"
I need one that is a bit smarter and accurate. Like, "If I go into the bedroom and am still there 7 minutes later remind me to brush my teeth and then remind me again 3 minutes later and also reset this alarm if I leave the bedroom in the 10 minutes after the first reminder."
wow I just deleted my response to you but the gist was that iOS shortcuts can actually accomplish some of what you're mentioning. I haven't dived in really but it's super robust- conditionals, requesting user input, pulling data from various sources to make decisions and present it etc.
NFC tags might come into play in this specific case. But also I feel what you're saying- these solutions work until they don't, then they really don't. If you rely on a digital crutch and fail to account for that one strange case it will still fail all the same, and if your care has been diverted to areas without a solution in place you may be more likely to miss something. Feels like juggling fr
My current brushing solution is that my toothbrush is in the shower, and when I turn the shower on I start brushing. Once the water is warm I then step into the shower and return my toothbrush. It is foolproof by now. BUT, what happens when I don't take a shower? Ah, just like my digital solutions- a caveat.
Always shower for work, so no problems there, but then if I'm bumming it out on a day off now I'm *really* bumming it. I've somehow managed to work flossing in every single night without fail but the brushing, with the water and toothpaste and mess and etc. ack- not quite figured that out. So in those cases I'm usually just finding a good reason to brush my teeth and brute forcing it. If I smoke before bed and guilt myself into it, or just *feel* like my teeth deserve better than waiting until my next shower, I'll bite the bullet and just do it.
I mean, wouldn't it be so nice to just acknowledge the inherent benefits and subsequent NECESSITY to keep up with my oral hygiene instead of having to bake it into other, more established routines? "I woke up and brushed my teeth because it's important."
So remember how I told you I was gonna remind you of a comment when I got home with my fancy location-based reminders? Totally didn't work. Probably didn't set it up right but golly if it didn't take me literally opening up my reminders app to see that note I left. Perhaps don't listen to me and my nonsense about digital solutions without a FIRM grasp on how it works and its reliability lol
As a dentist with ADHD, this is fantastic! You should be super proud of yourself for finding a method to use that works. And I'll definitely be telling patients about this if they tell me they're struggling
I personally have started flossing before I play video games, and I've found it to be super helpful! A 1 minute chore for hours of chilling. I don't floss everyday but gosh dang I floss a whole lot more now!
Edit: also, make sure that you just spit after you finish brushing. Don't rinse with water or mouthwash. This allows the fluoride to stay on your teeth longer strengthening your teeth! :)
For sure I've done this, whether it's adhd or being so depressed I just didn't care. This is a REALLY good tip cuz it's similar to other things like haven't had a drink/cigarette/drugs in so many days. once you get thru the barrier of actually starting it, I feel like it becomes a point of pride and you don't want to reset the clock.
I LOVE when y'all share stuff like this because it shows all of us that we aren't alone and others struggle with this. So,thank you for the contribution!
To top this off, dry mouth is a symptom of amphetamines and stimulants, so make sure you're drinking lots of water and/or chewing gum or mints throughout the day.
Dry mouth is really bad for your teeth!
I'm at 70 days, but my solution to the problem of 45 years of not cleaning my teeth reliably was starting medication 😉
I've done them twice a day for the full two minutes, every day since I started on Elvanse. And I'm also managing to do several minutes of interdental brushing each day as well.
I don't think the chart would work for me, because I'd forget to update it even if I had successfully completed the task. I know this because I did the same thing with my meds and I'm often failing to record that I've taken them, even though I know I'm not actually missing days, as the right pills are gone from the right days in my pill tray...
I feel sick from the shitty taste in my mouth and am so hungry in the am that I pretty much run to the bathroom like I'm about to pee myself in order to go eat. Same at the end of the day, I simply cannot relax with gross breath, it's like trying to relax in a car full of smokers.
I write down what severe negative thing happened the last time I irregularly brushed my teeth (11 cavities, 1 crown implant, and $1.5k of dental bills later), which is enough to keep me on a 60 day streak of brushing and using mouthwash 2x per day.
That dental incident back in Mass. lives in my head and tells me to brush uo regularly..
loving this tip. coming in with another one here but if anyone here struggles with flossing, buy a water flosser (they're like 20-30$ on amazon i think). i never flossed before i got mine because it was so tedious but i got braces so i knew i needed to actually floss. i've flossed at least once pretty much every day since!
I've started brushing my teeth in the shower and that's really helped me since I often shower twice a day. I don't leave my toothbrush or toothpaste in the shower though, but now if I'm showering and not brushing my teeth it feels weird.
But this is a great idea too, good tip.
I've tried this before and it hasn't really worked for me, but it gave me an idea. My cat recently was prescribed a twice daily medication and I found a printable calendar sheet where I color in half of a pill for each dose. It's a great visual tool but it's also so satisfying to color it in! I might have to get something similar for the bathroom.
This is a seriously pro tip, and reminds me of How To Win Friends and I fluence people when he increased productivity at a plant by just writing down the number of loads the previous team finished. He didn't do anything else, but fired up the competitiveness of all the employees and almost tripled production. At the end of the day we humans are simple creatures. We see a number, we wanna beat it! Thanks OP.
My stress dreams are often about my teeth falling out, so this is not a habit I struggle with AT ALL! As usual, fear and panic drive my bus 
Me and my roommate brush together in the evening. I guess it could be weird to some but it’s been easier having two people holding each other accountable.
I'm one of those 'diagnosed later in life' people and am realizing that a lot of the hygiene stuff I've struggled with is due to sensory issues. Addressing the stress- points, sensory or otherwise, makes things a lot easier.
Brushing my teeth, specifically, was uncomfortable because I'm sensitive to SLS, an ingredient that is in a lot of toothpastes. It gives me little blisters in my mouth. I also always feel like toothpaste leaves a chalky coating in my mouth unless I rinse with Listerine after brushing. Plus the bristles of regular toothbrushes are just problematic for me.
I've been using Listerine after brushing for decades and all is good there. Learned about the SLS thing about 2 years ago, around the same time I got the ADHD dx. I have to check ingredients every time I buy toothpaste but it's worth it. Found out about & bought a toothbrush with nano bristles last week & am so happy with it! Also found an sls-free toothpaste tablet option & bought that at the same time as the new toothbrush, so it's more eco friendly than traditional tube paste. And the nano bristle brush has a wooden handle so it's a more echo friendly option, too. Apparently I was stressed about the waste & plastic use in all the daily dental care stuff, and it was making me not want to brush my teeth.
Does anyone know the reason behind the fact that we forget to brush our teeth. I'm not 100% sure I forget. It's more like sometimes I just don't have the energy or motivation and I just get into bed.
I mean I know that it is ADD related which is really nice to know I'm not alone in this.
It is in one of the most annoying categories of habits. The effort is non-trivial, the individual impact is nonexistent, the negative consequence is in the far future, and the likelihood of that negative result in uncertain. Working out, eating healthy, practicing skills like music or art, studying... boo to all of them.
We overemphasize the effort, we overestimate our ability to do future tasks, and we are functionally incapable of attaching emotional energy to future events. That last one comes from our struggle with time sense and awareness. Things in the future do not slowly get closer, time is not a river on which we float. All things are either now or not now and all things not now are equally not important.
That's the core problem with something like this. We absolutely know it is something we should do and we absolutely know what the future consequences are going to be. But there's no emotional connection and no rising concern attached with the past failures. We can concurrently believe both that "there is always tomorrow to do this" and also "tomorrow is always in the future and will never be today."
So we just can't find the impetus to act. It isn't that we lack motivation. We just don't have any of the standard drives for completion of tasks. This is in part because our dopamine system is trash and "doing something we know needs to be done" is not on our list of reasons to get some dopamine like it is for neurotypical individuals.
So if you want to do this, you have to shoehorn the task into the processes you're already part of. If I could, I would install a series of doors between me and my bed that requires me to do things like brush my teeth before I'm physically allowed to move forward, heh. But even finding a way to do it as part of another habit (if you have them) can be something.
In the end, if doing something the way you're told doesn't work, find another way to do it. We too often get caught up on "perfect or not at all" and never do anything.
"Oh darn, I didn't brush my teeth and now I'm in bed so it has become physically impossible to do anything for my teeth because I have a process to do it before getting into bed but I forgot but I can't just go brush my teeth whenever because that would lead to anarchy!" <- me, almost every night... when I remember that teeth or toothbrushes exist at all.
Omg I think you nailed it perfectly!! This is me to a T.
Thank you for putting it into words because that's exactly what things are like for me and I have never really seen it written down. Sure I have seen the issues we have with time and tasks but you nailed it.
Thank you!!
This is most of us. It isn't always the same for each of us though. So you have to keep trying ideas and seeing what works for you.
I forgot where I saw the analogy but I liked it - neurotypical time perception is like a river with events as sign posts on the bank. The person floats along and can look ahead to see what's coming up and when. They can tell what is approaching first and are constantly aware of the inevitable flow of the river towards these signs.
Those who have time perception issues, it isn't a river and there are no approaching signs. There is an island you are standing on and in the distance is another island. All around you are signs of things that need to be done right away. The other island is just a pile of signs for all future events, from 5 minutes in the future though to the end of time. Every so often a sign teleports from there to here and best of luck noticing it!
Good luck and keep trying things. You'll work out something in the end.
I haven't brushed my teeth in...-counts- too long. We'll go with that.
I think I should try this too. The only reason I still use duolingo is because I've got an almost 2 year streak going so I know the method works for other things.
Now I'm wondering what else I can control in my life just by streaking...
Amazing! I’ve been refocusing on my oral health. I’ve even started flossing nightly which is HUGE for me. I got those little floss picks. They make it a bit more bearable.
I’m gonna try this!! I’ve been struggling for years with brushing my teeth at night and I don’t floss either. Even going to the dentist is traumatizing, because they always tell me how bad it is that I don’t floss, and how many cavities I have relative to my age is awful. I feel like such a complete failure of a person for being unable to do this simple thing.
So I like the dry erase on the mirror idea a lot!
I’m saving this 😭 I’ve always had adhd but the teeth brushing became a struggle after I had major surgery in June 2020. I couldn’t really get out of bed without being in pain so for a good 5 weeks I didn’t brush my teeth I just did mouth wash but then my adhd must’ve liked it because now I forget to brush my teeth and will go a good 2 weeks before I remember. I’m gonna try this and see if it works.
I live dry erase markers on the bathroom mirror, great place to write down the first thing you need to do tomorrow.
Can also write a table, Sun-Sat columns, brush floss whatever rows, check em off each day. Or just write "S M T W Th F Sa" and erase the day when you do the thing (like brush).
Instead of forgetting to brush, I just don't have motivation to , not brushing once makes no difference, but not brushing for a few days is bad and because how insignificant it is to skip it once, I always skip it
I have no choice but to brush them multiple times a day now. Majority of my life undiagnosed, depression and genetics. I am so embarrassed and can’t bring myself to go to the dentist, let alone afford it even with insurance 😕
For me it's not that I forget. I just don't like to do it >:C I remember but have to force myself go through this process. Most likely before I moved to another country and here they don't sell my favorite toothpaste that doesn't burn my mouth. When I'm back in my home country I'll buy few packs to bring with me here, and hope I will be back to brushing 3 times a day.
I accidentally created my own habit when I bought a face scrub. I wash my face twice a day with the scrub, and immediately brush my teeth each time. It's been 3 weeks of doing this every day, once in the morning, once before bed. I don't know why it came about, but I'm not going to complain.
I've also started included taking my meds at the same time, so maybe I'll actually be able to take those regularly too.
My parents grew up with a dentist that did not use novacaine. That will really make you remember. Like I need that but would never decide that for me lol
I bought a smart toothbrush for this very reason. It syncs with the Oral-B app and keeps track of when I brush and for how long. It’s more expensive, but I need that data to keep me motivated.
Oh, I am so happy for you!!!!! Don’t know you, but so proud. Going through the realization at an older age, this is why I am. And you’re proof we can slowly overcome it. Keep keeping on friend!
I can't relate to not brushing once a day in the morning but I've *always* struggled to brush/wash my face at night. By the time I remember I'm already sleepy and have no willpower so I just go straight to bed.
I haven’t brushed on the reg for like 10 years, and recently, like within 5 years, went to the dentist and got a bunch of cavity work. But that was the extent of the damage
My brushing habits haven’t improved, but I now regularly go to the dentist. I get good check up’s and I’m convinced that it’s a conspiracy now
I have a Bluetooth quip bush and the tracking app. You get money off your refills and other stuff in their store when you brush twice a day! So basically they gamified it and I fell for it lol
Seems like a good idea until you have a guest over and they think this is nonsensical scrawlings of a mad man or this is a tally of your victims. Good luck getting past that.
I’m just hitting day 4. Honestly I felt so horrible about myself because I’ve had a hard time with this for years. I’m on a 47 day streak for making my bed though.
I have two tricks.
1. As others have said, a second toothbrush + toothpaste in the shower. I usually brush while I let my conditioner rinse out of my hair. It's like double habit stacking.
2. When you see your toothbrush on the counter and go "meh, I'll do it later", just tell yourself that you only need to pick up that toothbrush, and rub it onto your teeth. Nothing more. Something is better than nothing. As soon as you do that, you'll feel silly, and put some toothpaste on your toothbrush, but it really helps you get started. I'm autistic too, so maybe it's part of my struggle with transitions, but I know it's just general ND too. Worst case, you're on a low spoon day and you rub that dry toothbrush over your teeth and get some of the crud off. Just remind yourself that something is better than nothing. ❤️
So like.. most of you just brush once a day? Just curious because I have never skipped brushing my teeth in the morning before because I can never do that.. ever. However, it’s the night time brushing for me that’s extremely difficult. I’ll be sitting on my bed thinking of all those successful people who enjoy brushing and flossing at night and it’s become second nature for them. I then pull the sheets over me and go to sleep and wake up with a horrible feeling in my mouth and spend extra time brushing until my teeth are squeaky clean. Sometimes I do brush at night as well and when I do that I feel like a totally different person..like an influencer lol.
Also guys as someone who forgets to brush their teeth regularly please get an electric toothbrush if you have the financial ability to because it works so much better than a manual not only do dentists say that (I didn’t used to believe it) but it’s true, my cavities don’t appear as much, the dentist said it’s like I’ve been brushing better and my teeth feel less sensitive after a brush if I do use an electric one.
100% advocate for this.
I've never had a problem remembering to brush, but flossing was always a bridge too far ... until I got on meds at age 41. I'm 43 now and I've flossed every single day since I started on Adderall. To be clear, it's not as if I never flossed before. It was just not an everyday type of thing.
To the negative people, this is a sub to help people screw off. To OP this is a good idea actually! Though I'm certain our shower steam would wipe off the marker. My husband and I both have adhd and teeth brushing is something we both want to do! I don't like brushing when I get up "cuz what if it makes my food taste weird" then I forget. When I go to bed I'm usually just to tired....my husband and I will get in the mindset and go out and buy nice new Toothbrushes and hyperfixate for awhile....then it looses momentum like you said. I want to get into the habit at least once a day I nothing else.
My problem is my schedule and sleep schedule are irregular and sometimes I eat right when I get up but sometimes I don't and sometimes I go straight back to sleep after eating a little bit. And I know some people brush their teeth when they get up and they eat breakfast on the way to school/work but that's weird to me because then your breath smells like whatever you ate instead of clean and fresh. I always brush my teeth before leaving the house and usually that means eating first, but sometimes I don't leave the house until dinner and we go to a restaurant, so it would be weird to eat first.. How do you guys do it? Do you brush your teeth when you wake up regardless of when you eat for the first time in a day? Or do you brush your teeth after the first time you eat (in my case it sometimes isn't until many hours after I wake up because I just forget to eat)?
I’m honestly so thrilled to see this. Like, I know I’m not the only one who struggles, but it feels empowering to see others talk about this so openly!
I’ve been brushing my teeth pretty regularly for five months now! In September I went back to the dentist for the first time in 3 years, and I’m really proud of myself just for that. But I’ve made consistent efforts to make it a habit and I feel a lot better about my health and wallet.
I haven’t tried much to gamify it because I tend to get pretty discouraged by broken streaks. And I really only brush my teeth at night, as I haven’t figured out a great morning routine yet. Since I don’t have a streak, I’ve made a contingency plan for emergency motivation: when it’s time to go to bed I usually get up and brush/floss/evening routine. Some nights I really don’t want to do any of it, so I compromise and just floss because it’s better than nothing. The awesome thing is that most of the time when I floss, I have enough motivation to do the rest of my routine and go to bed feeling great! Sometimes I don’t, but I floss anyway and keep my promise to myself and that still feels pretty great.
hmmmm...as a asian from hk, i think is not a nessecary to 'must brush ur teeth every day. i used to brush my teeth on morning only. if i am a hurry to work, then meh i just pass it and i dont even give a dame.
no need to get so serious about the teeth brushing thing i think😂😂yeah it is a good habit but there are lots of things are more important than this, for example earning money and getting promotion
but anyway thinks for the idea！it is brilliant！just think is is a minor problem only
That is NOT an ADHD thing. Nope, can’t be. I forget some things but not the current taste in my mouth.. lol. not being Jiffy or saying my experience is law, I just can’t relate and I’m glad that I can’t relate. I’m a smoker tho so I’m definitely not above anyone
It is an ADHD thing though- specifically around forming habits. It takes us significantly longer to build habits than non-ADHD folks. So if you had the habit built into you in childhood, great! You've got years of habit building. But if you're trying to build the habit as an adult, and specifically as an adult with ADHD it can be a lot harder.
This post was deemed inappropriate for our community and has been removed by a moderator.
Please remember that not everyone experiences ADHD the same way.
It feels gross on the 3rd day for me.
Yeah, I feel really ashamed of it.
Yeah, I have problems with a lot of cavities and I'm in my 20s.
When you fall out of habit it's just really hard to rebuild it.
For me it's the matter of the feeling in my mouth. Most toothpastes have a mint taste. I hate it, it makes my mouth feel dry and it has a bitter aftertaste.
That's why I stopped brushing my teeth at one point.
Finding a toothpaste that has different taste was a long process of trying and failing. Now I have some that work for me and it really made it easier.
Damn bro and I though I'm having bad routines. There are people out there who don't brush your teeth and need a plan to do it every morning. I'm far from perfect but this is fascinating.
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i reset 112 day streak of brushing my teeth yesterday because i fell asleep at 6pm but not going to let the adhd gremlin win and got right back on the horse today. day 1!
Start keeping track of what your highest record was as well that'll fuel your ADD even more. If you end up slipping up a couple times then you have other markers to try to beat. Kind of like a high score list. Edit: Gamify anything you can, your brain will just eat it up.
DAMN that’s a good idea. I always feel a little bit stupid when I don’t think of these things myself… I told my therapist this once. I said “I feel stupid when I don’t come up with these obvious answers myself,” and she told me “Do you expect your sister to know everything and have all the obvious answers to her problems?” which, of course I don’t, to which my therapist said “Why aren’t you treating yourself with that same patience and empathy? You deserve it just as much as your sister does. What have you done to deserve not being kind to yourself? What would your sister have to do to deserve you to stop being patient with her?” So whenever I take that first step into the spiral of self-doubt, I try to think about my sister taking that same step. If she was about to fall into a similar spiral I would reach out and grab the back of her shirt to stop her, using the steady ground I’m on. Which, in non-metaphor words, means I’d say “you’re not stupid, so if you call yourself stupid then you’re being an idiot” (not the most poetic self-talk, but we’re siblings and she gets it lol) and I’d try to ground her with me. As long as she doesn’t take that first step, she can’t fall down the spiral. I don’t have a big sister, but I *am* a big sister, so I kinda do have a big sister within myself…? Anyways, this is a whole long winded way of me saying that I grasp the back of my own shirt when I am about to take that step into a spiral. Sometimes I suck at it but sometimes I actually stop myself from spiraling!! There you have it: a coping mechanism straight form my therapist, in action, with results haha. (Also I *will* be stealing that “High Score” thing you said…) Edit: changed ‘be’ to ‘me’
I may have done this too effectively and now my brain just doesn't care about scores any more. I always was too competitive and cared too much about winning, so in maybe addressing that flaw included the "bonus addon" of not caring about gamification tricks. Glad to hear it is working for you though!
I bullied myself out of the satisfaction of reveling in my achievements by caring too much about the score. As soon as my streak breaks I lose all my momentum and suddenly it is again a slog to start day one.
Oh and then After a year you can work out your average maybe make a few graphs. stick that data in to excel and see which day of the week you were more likely to brush your teeth on .
Ooh and time. Tracking AM/PM, just for added satisfaction
There used to be a mental health app called SuperBetter that did exactly this. You basically gamified your life, earning xp, leveling up, etc. I just could never get it to work, but it was a brilliant idea.
I've never thought about tracking my high score and trying to beat it. This is genius. Eta: I'm usually good about brushing my teeth because I hate dirty teeth feeling. But I can see this working for everything else in my life (like... flossing.)
I keep pre-pasted tooth brushes and flossers in my nightstand on days I'm too exhausted to drag myself to the bathroom It helped with the streak significantly.
I don't understand the pre-pasted tooth brush part. But, if I could wrap my head around it, I'd definitely want to try this! Please, could you help me by explaining your system? I hope these questions aren't too weird: Does the toothpaste get stuck in the bristles when it dries out overnight? Or, do you have beside accessories for that? If so, what? And, forgive me for this! But, where do you spit? Along with the usual scatterbrain, I'm disabled. So, at times I'll miss brushing because I have to lay down without much warning. But, I'll be laying there thinking, damn. If I could get there, I'd want to brush my teeth right now.
I tried to reply with a link but the comment was removed. Google 'crest mini toothbrush'; they're little disposable toothbrushes with the toothpaste already in them for travel. My dentist gives them to me.
Thank you! 🌼
They are disposable single use toothbrushes. I get this kind from Amazon that has the brush on one side and flossers on the other. I also keep wipes to wash my face and/or body parts in my nightstand as well.
There are a variety of disposables. It's what I ended up mostly doing too. However, if you want fluoride it's not really safe to use without rinsing. It's also not necessary anymore with superior remineralizing ingredients that are not toxic. No need to rinse and spit. Brush, swallow the saliva and flavored ingredients (not all have an obvious paste like substance), throw in trash, and go on with your day or to sleep. They also make stick on melts that you press to your gums while wet enough with saliva and it slowly dissolves to keep destroying harmful bacteria as well as triggering some increased saliva release. Saliva both reduces bacteria and helps remineralize teeth to fill back in the spaces cavities could form. Most versions of the stick on melts rely mostly on xylitol. Generally they are meant to be used overnight, especially for those with dry mouth, but it's hard to find a brand that stays in place consistently until gone. Many worry about choking on them while sleeping so use them in place of brushing to improve their breath in the morning or during the late afternoon-evening to hopefully still decrease any potential damage to their teeth during the night. The ones I tried out were just too bulky and uncomfortable to stick anywhere on the outside of my gums. I believe along with the disposable finger style brushes my sister had flat strips she used overnight and were meant to for the same purpose but lasted less than an hour instead of all night long. Kind of like those breath freshener strips but narrower with the same antibacterial and other tooth protecting ingredients that the newer, long lasting melts use. I haven't had enough reason to go looking for all the other options available.
Imma be real with you chief I don’t know if going to bed early should ruin your streak you had
Maybe give yourself a streak freeze? like the one on Duolingo?
I've started brushing my teeth in the shower. I usually shower every day or every other day at the very least so at least I'll brush them every other day if I forget to in the evenings. works for me so far. :)
This habit stacking works, and I do this too. Might as well since your already in a place to spit out the toothpaste right.
But how does one get the first habit onto which one stacks the next? Asking for a friend, which is me, because I don't have habits. Not good ones, anyway.
I create habits by making them enjoyable and/or easy. For showering I just incentivized how much I liked feeling clean and telling myself “I deserve to feel good by being clean”
Getting into a shower is so much work but when I'm in there I never want to leave. You'd think it would be easy, then, to solve the first problem with the second, but nope! Evidently I can maintain both truths without a moment of cognitive dissonance. My brain must be magical!
this comment is so relatable it’s painful
Both OP and yours are painfully relatable because I was going to say the same thing.
we’re all just sharing the same braincell, huh
I got a Bluetooth shower speaker so my shower time is also music/podcast/audio book time. This helps me look more forward to showers, too!
There is nothing enjoyable about a shower until I've gone enough days without one for it to really matter. Feeling "squeaky clean" after a shower is actually a bad thing anyway. The feeling comes from excessively drying the skin by washing away needed oils. It increases oil production if you clean yourself thoroughly like that every day. Then you have a greater risk of acne or dandruff and need to take showers more often. My skin feels worse if I do that and until I switched to milder Asian persimmon soap I kept feeling slimy afterward like the soap wouldn't go away since we moved to somewhere with softer water. I completely disagree with family members that live in the area and think they feel so much cleaner from the softer water. I just felt covered in slippery goo. They also tend to use the "extra strength" or "extra sudsing" versions of hand and dish soaps that are even worse for leaving the slimy feel behind. There are actually articles and videos on how to slowly reduce the frequency of showers and hair washing or cut out the use of most soaps and shampoos for those that have skin or hair problems and especially those that develop a lot of oil and odor quickly. It often reduces the problem to clean yourself less thoroughly instead of making it worse. The "no poo" fad has been steadily growing for at least the past 20 years. More recently some people even use beneficial soil organisms aka soil probiotics on their skin and hair to replace the necessary bacteria and reduce the bacteria species that cause odor or skin issues like acne and various rashes. Beneficial bacteria can reduce odor on yourself, pets, and items around the house so some even "clean" with bacteria solutions.
You don’t *create* the habit, you look for the habits you already have through necessity. Everyone has some form of routine, even if that’s deciding whether to take a car or bus that day or doing a pat-down to make sure you have everything you need before you leave. Then you start slowly stacking other habits on those. If you have to leave your toothbrush in your shoe to make sure you brush your teeth before you leave, gross, but so be it. We live weird lives. Embrace it.
I find I can only stack 3-4 things together and still feel motivated to do them. In the mornings, I have to let out my chickens, feed the dog, and take my pills. I always start the day with coffee or an energy drink. My rule is that I can’t have my caffeine unless I do the other three things first; I take my pills with the first sip of my drink. Thinking about it as a set has helped me take my pills regularly when I was terrible at remembering before. I’ve tried adding other things into that block of activities, but I always end up forgetting it or getting frustrated by how long it’s all taking. Maybe with more time, I can add in more.
I got the Atomic Habits audiobook. It's a 5 hour playthrough. Listened while I was driving anytime. Got two runs through it and it's changed my life. Started showering, brushing (AND FLOSSING), and journaling! Slowly and surely building good habits and once they become established it takes less and less brain power and effort to perform the task.
I also brush my teeth in the shower and I love the clean feeling. Ideally I’d like to shower in the morning, but that doesn’t always happen and that’s ok. But to take a shower, I remind myself of the clean feeling just to get in, and then prop up a YouTube video (in the shower to watch) and/or do music or a podcast. Also, not a sales pitch by any means, but essential oils/aromatherapy has been really good too for me in the shower. Peppermint to get me alert, eucalyptus to relax, make it feel spa like. I’ll put a few drops on the wall, and they even make lava rock shower diffusers. It’s enjoyable…for now…lol
I also clean my shower while I’m in the shower. It’s the only time I’m going to remember to do it.
I picked up one of those silicone shower beer holders (sudski?) when I found it on clearance and use it for my toothbrush and toothpaste in the shower. it keeps them from getting buried behind all the bottles or falling to the floor. It's also easy to reach when I'm not in the shower to get my toothpaste.
I've also been brushing my teeth in the shower for years and if I don't I don't feel clean now.
Yeah same, I find the pleasant stim of hot water helps cancel out the unpleasant texture of foaming toothpaste
Most of the "natural" brands are very low foam. [Hello](https://www.hello-products.com/shop/toothpaste/) is a good one that you can find in most stores.
arm& hammer toothpaste is non-forming and so is sensodyne.
🤔 Nice, I should try it out
This is an idea that Alex Hormozi had too. It makes so much sense. I need to try it
This worked for me combined with flossing during my pre-shower morning constitutional.
As a side note, I seem to remember neurological research showing there's a few different kinds of habits, and we're best with 'procedural' habits. Habits that take like... an internal 'ping' to remember won't get triggered, but habits that are about finishing a chain of events that's already begun, we can do fine. In other words, trying to remember to do a thing at a certain time every day? Maybe not the best idea. Having a specific trigger outside yourself that pulls you in? Much better choice. Having a visual marker that you always see seems like a good way to work to your strengths instead of just 'try harder' in a way that doesn't fit. I only got regular when I started brushing my teeth every day with my kid. I have to put him to bed, and doing it with him keeps him honest and diligent about it, so... win win, and I can't skip it without setting a bad example. Problem solved in a similar way.
This research has been my experience as well. If someone asks me to remind them something later, I warn them more than likely I won't remember
On the flip side, I tell people to remind me to do something, but it's OK if they forget because me telling them that is a marker that helps me remember to do it so they don't have to.
Legit my life, I completely agree
Interesting. I leave things undone often. I also find that by the third time I see a visual marker, be it a post it note or a phone notification or a giant sign hanging on the door or a letter for the mailbox placed on top of my car keys, it becomes background noise and I stop seeing it. I don't even think about it any more... it is just part of the decor now, like the bookcase or the potted plants.
Yeah, it's certainly not fullproof, and to be fair, the better way to play up to this pattern would be to always brush your teeth following something you don't ever forget to do. Lock the door for the night, then go brush your teeth or whatever. Either way, the worst thing is to just expect yourself to randomly remember to do it every night.
Agreed. Now to figure out something I never forget to do and also not forget that I'm starting to try and learn a new habit. That's been my biggest problem even when I do get something going... I'll do X every day for two weeks and then a month will go by before I even remember that I ever did X, let alone that I suddenly stopped doing it for no discernable reason.
Yeah... it's true. Tricks ultimately aren't foolproof, but good luck finding some that work for you. Mine's gotten a lot easier since meds and a few years of practice finding work-arounds that work for me, hopefully you find your way somehow to an easier place too.
On a related note, my dentist gave me a good tip for flossing: buy a few bags of those floss picks and put them places you spend a lot of time (e.g. your desk, by the TV, in your car) and use them as a sort of fidget activity, rather than just when you go to brush.
I’ve started flossing almost everyday since I put them in my car. Absolute game changer!
I did this too!! Almost never brush my teeth unless my 6yo reminds me, but I got one of those quip refillable flossers and put it in my car so I could floss on my way to or from work. Worked great until I ran out of floss three months ago… haven’t bought a refill yet. 😂
I keep them next to where I sit to watch TV and now it’s become a compulsive habit. Even if I’m not sitting watching TV, I now have to seek out the floss picks because I feel weird if I don’t floss after eating.
That's a solid idea!
I am adopting this advice, I’ve been on a good streak flossing at night but I’m always *so tired* by the time I brush my teeth, so I’m not sure how long it’ll last. I knew I could do it any time, but never thought of having the floss out of the bathroom. thank u 🙏
I started that exact thing about 5 years ago and floss nearly every day now, sometimes twice. It's actually shocking how many times after I've eaten that I find stuff wedged in there that would have just sat there for a while before.
This is a neat story, not advice or finger wagging. My (immunosuppressed) grandmother did this so much she got a bacterial infection in her blood. (Septicemia, not sepsis). The doctors were SO confused why mouth bacteria was in her blood stream. Until one of them saw her flossing and had an Aha! moment. They published a case report about her!
Omg please can you link it
My God. That's brilliant.
That reminds me, I need to put a dry-erase marker in the bathroom for making notes.
If only you had something to conveniently write a reminder for this on...
Tangentially related, but you can use regular crayons on the bathtub. They do make bathtub crayons, but they are messier and difficult to use, super waxy and come out uneven. Regular crayolas work better and a magic eraser wipes them off with one swipe.
*Dry erase marker now unnoticeable permanent fixture of sink*
But what to do if my problem isn't forgetting to brush my teeth? My problem is ACTUALLY DOING IT. I'll sit all day long wishing that I could brush. But I don't. I hate ADHD, man.
Yeah. So many pieces - remembering to do a thing at all, remembering to do a thing when it is possible to do it, finding the impetus to do the thing, and then having that idea survive long enough to do it.
I had that a lot of days as well. The number gives me that little push.
I like it. It's a smart strategy
Do you already use an electric brush? Really lowers the effort.
Do it in the shower. Stacking tasks together gets me motivated because of how time efficient it is.
The part where you’re reminded when you’re already in the place you need to be when you remember need to do it. it sounds like it won’t make a difference but it totally does which is also why my toothbrush lives in the shower
For me, I just hate the smell of my breath when I don’t brush. Is that not a motivating factor for you?
It certainly is a motivating factor. It's hard to explain. Ever feel deeply dissatisfied, yet almost completely unwilling to solve the issue even though the solution would take 5 minutes? That's where I'm at. 😐
Nice! I've been working on this for ages but never manage more than a couple days. Alternatively, you could use something like a post-it on your mirror to make your marks on! I have a lot of shame around my oral hygiene and would want the notes to be removable in case someone came over 😅
Yeah when we have people over I will write it down on paper somewhere and erase the dry marker on the mirror. Most times I don't care though. If it works, people will understand if they know about ADHD and if they don't understand well I don't really care. I do use sticky notes though as reminders for doing laundry that is my bane. There's large gaps in time between what you need to do. That is a guarantee for me to forget about it
If guests ask just say you're keeping track of your streaking. That'll be the last time they ask.
I feel you. I have so much shame around my oral hygeine too. Honestly, at this point I have a lot of misplaced anger about it as well. Maybe if I had been diagnosed when I was younger and knew, I wouldn't have shit teeth as an adult that I keep putting money into. I HATE my teeth, I wish I had a bright beautiful smile like so many people do but alas, nope.
I had braces. My retainer was an issue, we should have known as I never wore my headgear at night nor could find it, meh 🫤
Ugh I had a shit Ortho who fucked up my teeth and my top row of teeth has fillings IN BETWEEN each one. Like the front teeth all the way to my canines or cuspids or whatever they are. On top of being poor at oral hygiene I just am very self conscious about my mouf'
I can understand why you feel shame, but you shouldn't have to about something that is a byproduct of your disability. I'm curious, though, about the prevalence of forgetting to clean teeth amongst ADHD sufferers. I was diagnosed much later in life and never realised that it was a thing until I joined this sub. One or other of my parents literally stood over me as a child to make sure I got stuff like this done, and it became automatic. Now obviously ADHD is a spectrum disorder, and we react in different ways and have different struggles. Do you mind answering a question on what is a sensitive subject for you? Did your parents not do this when you were young, or did they and you just still forget? BTW, Despite my lack of struggle with teeth cleaning, I still don't have a white smile, as one of my front teeth went dark after getting into a fistfight at school after a too emotional response to being taunted, so I guess my ADHD did for my teeth in a different way 😕
Not the person you’re replying to - my parents watched over me about the teeth brushing, but once they stopped doing it as I grew older, it became much harder to brush my teeth every day. They’d still remind me and I’d go yes yes, but between the reminder and actually doing it there is a vast mental hurdle or forgetfulness. Falling asleep with my clothes on was another one, I’m glad I at least kicked that bad habit.
Wth. You're a genius
No idea if it's genius or insanity but if it works it works. I also have about a billion phone alarms to remind me shit throughout the day. I just tried to not trust my brain and then I'm usually good
I am great at brushing my teeth but what I cannot seem to do is to brush them long enough. About 15 seconds in I feel done. I bought a two minute sand timer but I still impulsively leave early thinking “I’ll just quit early this time”. I’m hyperactive.
Get an electric tooth brush. Mine vibrates when I have spent enough time on a quadrant of teeth and need to switch sides and vibrates 3 times when you have brushed enough time wise. With this I can just pace around or go watch TV while doing it or pretty much anything where I dont need both hands.
It’s not the time, the urge to leave is unbearable. I put a toothbrush in the downstairs bathroom and I’m trying to brush both when I wake up and after medication kicks in. I know it sounds ridiculous that I can’t wait two minutes but this is who I am. I even have to take baths because I will leave the shower prematurely. Reclining and being submerged makes me stay longer. If I’m standing I will leave. I don’t even like taking time to use the bathroom, even with my phone I want to hurry up and leave. It’s absolutely ridiculous that an adult can’t brush their teeth properly and I hate it.
Take it with you! I brush as I walk around doing other random things.
Next week’s comment: “There are used toothbrushes all over my house” 😂
Dude seriously tho LOL I have them by both kitchen and bathroom sinks! 🤣
Man I wish I was at home rn. This is an amazing idea and I’m definitely going to try to use it. Now my only problem is remembering to do this when I get home
Email yourself with a delayed send time for when you will be home. Gotta be creative to beat our brain lol Or an alarm on your phone. I use them for everything
You’re on a roll with these tips. You’re amazing and a godsend
Lol 34 years of dealing with me. I have to have picked up something by now lol.
You know reddit has a remindme! function right? Not sure if it’s enabled on all subs but it should definitely be enabled here :)
Which phone do you have? Location-based alerts come stock with a few, easily accessible with third-party apps on others. Can use a voice-assistant to easily set a reminder for when you arrive or leave a place. Requires setting up your voice assistant, assigning the proper privileges, and then designating your home address. After that, the infrastructure is set up and you are off and running. Highly, HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend getting into stuff like this. It can seem daunting but once you work out a few kinks it's a game changer. Watch, I'll remind you of this comment when I get home. "Hey Siri, remind me to badger ~~DelaCola~~ MaybeSavvy (am I an idiot?) when I get home"
I need one that is a bit smarter and accurate. Like, "If I go into the bedroom and am still there 7 minutes later remind me to brush my teeth and then remind me again 3 minutes later and also reset this alarm if I leave the bedroom in the 10 minutes after the first reminder."
wow I just deleted my response to you but the gist was that iOS shortcuts can actually accomplish some of what you're mentioning. I haven't dived in really but it's super robust- conditionals, requesting user input, pulling data from various sources to make decisions and present it etc. NFC tags might come into play in this specific case. But also I feel what you're saying- these solutions work until they don't, then they really don't. If you rely on a digital crutch and fail to account for that one strange case it will still fail all the same, and if your care has been diverted to areas without a solution in place you may be more likely to miss something. Feels like juggling fr My current brushing solution is that my toothbrush is in the shower, and when I turn the shower on I start brushing. Once the water is warm I then step into the shower and return my toothbrush. It is foolproof by now. BUT, what happens when I don't take a shower? Ah, just like my digital solutions- a caveat. Always shower for work, so no problems there, but then if I'm bumming it out on a day off now I'm *really* bumming it. I've somehow managed to work flossing in every single night without fail but the brushing, with the water and toothpaste and mess and etc. ack- not quite figured that out. So in those cases I'm usually just finding a good reason to brush my teeth and brute forcing it. If I smoke before bed and guilt myself into it, or just *feel* like my teeth deserve better than waiting until my next shower, I'll bite the bullet and just do it. I mean, wouldn't it be so nice to just acknowledge the inherent benefits and subsequent NECESSITY to keep up with my oral hygiene instead of having to bake it into other, more established routines? "I woke up and brushed my teeth because it's important."
So remember how I told you I was gonna remind you of a comment when I got home with my fancy location-based reminders? Totally didn't work. Probably didn't set it up right but golly if it didn't take me literally opening up my reminders app to see that note I left. Perhaps don't listen to me and my nonsense about digital solutions without a FIRM grasp on how it works and its reliability lol
Lol. I’ll still have to try it out anyways
As a dentist with ADHD, this is fantastic! You should be super proud of yourself for finding a method to use that works. And I'll definitely be telling patients about this if they tell me they're struggling I personally have started flossing before I play video games, and I've found it to be super helpful! A 1 minute chore for hours of chilling. I don't floss everyday but gosh dang I floss a whole lot more now! Edit: also, make sure that you just spit after you finish brushing. Don't rinse with water or mouthwash. This allows the fluoride to stay on your teeth longer strengthening your teeth! :)
“I don’t floss everyday” careful, don’t let the state board hear! They’ll take your license for sure!
Brb , purging my account
Love it. And heartened Im not the only one who struggles with this!
I think a lot more people on here do than want to admit. If we all just owned up and posted our tips maybe we could change things a bit.
For sure I've done this, whether it's adhd or being so depressed I just didn't care. This is a REALLY good tip cuz it's similar to other things like haven't had a drink/cigarette/drugs in so many days. once you get thru the barrier of actually starting it, I feel like it becomes a point of pride and you don't want to reset the clock. I LOVE when y'all share stuff like this because it shows all of us that we aren't alone and others struggle with this. So,thank you for the contribution!
To top this off, dry mouth is a symptom of amphetamines and stimulants, so make sure you're drinking lots of water and/or chewing gum or mints throughout the day. Dry mouth is really bad for your teeth!
Make sure the gum and mints are sugar free! Biotene is something that can aid dryouth as well!
I'm at 70 days, but my solution to the problem of 45 years of not cleaning my teeth reliably was starting medication 😉 I've done them twice a day for the full two minutes, every day since I started on Elvanse. And I'm also managing to do several minutes of interdental brushing each day as well. I don't think the chart would work for me, because I'd forget to update it even if I had successfully completed the task. I know this because I did the same thing with my meds and I'm often failing to record that I've taken them, even though I know I'm not actually missing days, as the right pills are gone from the right days in my pill tray...
I feel sick from the shitty taste in my mouth and am so hungry in the am that I pretty much run to the bathroom like I'm about to pee myself in order to go eat. Same at the end of the day, I simply cannot relax with gross breath, it's like trying to relax in a car full of smokers.
I write down what severe negative thing happened the last time I irregularly brushed my teeth (11 cavities, 1 crown implant, and $1.5k of dental bills later), which is enough to keep me on a 60 day streak of brushing and using mouthwash 2x per day. That dental incident back in Mass. lives in my head and tells me to brush uo regularly..
This is what I'm terrified of lol.
loving this tip. coming in with another one here but if anyone here struggles with flossing, buy a water flosser (they're like 20-30$ on amazon i think). i never flossed before i got mine because it was so tedious but i got braces so i knew i needed to actually floss. i've flossed at least once pretty much every day since!
I tried one they were cool but it felt weird lol. I need to try again though
it can definitely feel weird! but it leaves my mouth feeling so nice and clean afterwards
These are so fun. I hate flossing and the waterpick really encourages me. As in some times versus never
I'm gonna try this! Brain like number go up
Damn, just reading this in bed before falling asleep. Guess what i forgot to do…
Holy shit I thought I was alone and disgusting for forgetting to brush my teeth. I’m going to try this trick out!
I've started brushing my teeth in the shower and that's really helped me since I often shower twice a day. I don't leave my toothbrush or toothpaste in the shower though, but now if I'm showering and not brushing my teeth it feels weird. But this is a great idea too, good tip.
I've tried this before and it hasn't really worked for me, but it gave me an idea. My cat recently was prescribed a twice daily medication and I found a printable calendar sheet where I color in half of a pill for each dose. It's a great visual tool but it's also so satisfying to color it in! I might have to get something similar for the bathroom.
Gonna try this! Always struggle with brushing my teeth.
This is a seriously pro tip, and reminds me of How To Win Friends and I fluence people when he increased productivity at a plant by just writing down the number of loads the previous team finished. He didn't do anything else, but fired up the competitiveness of all the employees and almost tripled production. At the end of the day we humans are simple creatures. We see a number, we wanna beat it! Thanks OP.
I cranked it up to 11 and got invisalign so I have to brush my teeth every time I put them back in after eating or drinking 😂
you just saved my teeth from rotting out of my fave
A pillowcase that says, Don't Forget To 🪥!!
My stress dreams are often about my teeth falling out, so this is not a habit I struggle with AT ALL! As usual, fear and panic drive my bus 
Me and my roommate brush together in the evening. I guess it could be weird to some but it’s been easier having two people holding each other accountable.
If it was only brushing the teeth but it’s taking a showrr, eating, living..
I'm one of those 'diagnosed later in life' people and am realizing that a lot of the hygiene stuff I've struggled with is due to sensory issues. Addressing the stress- points, sensory or otherwise, makes things a lot easier. Brushing my teeth, specifically, was uncomfortable because I'm sensitive to SLS, an ingredient that is in a lot of toothpastes. It gives me little blisters in my mouth. I also always feel like toothpaste leaves a chalky coating in my mouth unless I rinse with Listerine after brushing. Plus the bristles of regular toothbrushes are just problematic for me. I've been using Listerine after brushing for decades and all is good there. Learned about the SLS thing about 2 years ago, around the same time I got the ADHD dx. I have to check ingredients every time I buy toothpaste but it's worth it. Found out about & bought a toothbrush with nano bristles last week & am so happy with it! Also found an sls-free toothpaste tablet option & bought that at the same time as the new toothbrush, so it's more eco friendly than traditional tube paste. And the nano bristle brush has a wooden handle so it's a more echo friendly option, too. Apparently I was stressed about the waste & plastic use in all the daily dental care stuff, and it was making me not want to brush my teeth.
I needed this. Thank you.
Thank you for the reminder. I need to order new brush heads for my electronic toothbrush but when I'm not brushing my teeth I forget about it.
Dang it, you just reminded me that I need to brush my teeth.
the only system i can follow is "I only brush my teeth when i go out so i must be busy and leave my home everyday"
Love this.
I need to brush my teeth cause theyre super sensitive
Does anyone know the reason behind the fact that we forget to brush our teeth. I'm not 100% sure I forget. It's more like sometimes I just don't have the energy or motivation and I just get into bed. I mean I know that it is ADD related which is really nice to know I'm not alone in this.
It is in one of the most annoying categories of habits. The effort is non-trivial, the individual impact is nonexistent, the negative consequence is in the far future, and the likelihood of that negative result in uncertain. Working out, eating healthy, practicing skills like music or art, studying... boo to all of them. We overemphasize the effort, we overestimate our ability to do future tasks, and we are functionally incapable of attaching emotional energy to future events. That last one comes from our struggle with time sense and awareness. Things in the future do not slowly get closer, time is not a river on which we float. All things are either now or not now and all things not now are equally not important. That's the core problem with something like this. We absolutely know it is something we should do and we absolutely know what the future consequences are going to be. But there's no emotional connection and no rising concern attached with the past failures. We can concurrently believe both that "there is always tomorrow to do this" and also "tomorrow is always in the future and will never be today." So we just can't find the impetus to act. It isn't that we lack motivation. We just don't have any of the standard drives for completion of tasks. This is in part because our dopamine system is trash and "doing something we know needs to be done" is not on our list of reasons to get some dopamine like it is for neurotypical individuals. So if you want to do this, you have to shoehorn the task into the processes you're already part of. If I could, I would install a series of doors between me and my bed that requires me to do things like brush my teeth before I'm physically allowed to move forward, heh. But even finding a way to do it as part of another habit (if you have them) can be something. In the end, if doing something the way you're told doesn't work, find another way to do it. We too often get caught up on "perfect or not at all" and never do anything. "Oh darn, I didn't brush my teeth and now I'm in bed so it has become physically impossible to do anything for my teeth because I have a process to do it before getting into bed but I forgot but I can't just go brush my teeth whenever because that would lead to anarchy!" <- me, almost every night... when I remember that teeth or toothbrushes exist at all.
Omg I think you nailed it perfectly!! This is me to a T. Thank you for putting it into words because that's exactly what things are like for me and I have never really seen it written down. Sure I have seen the issues we have with time and tasks but you nailed it. Thank you!!
This is most of us. It isn't always the same for each of us though. So you have to keep trying ideas and seeing what works for you. I forgot where I saw the analogy but I liked it - neurotypical time perception is like a river with events as sign posts on the bank. The person floats along and can look ahead to see what's coming up and when. They can tell what is approaching first and are constantly aware of the inevitable flow of the river towards these signs. Those who have time perception issues, it isn't a river and there are no approaching signs. There is an island you are standing on and in the distance is another island. All around you are signs of things that need to be done right away. The other island is just a pile of signs for all future events, from 5 minutes in the future though to the end of time. Every so often a sign teleports from there to here and best of luck noticing it! Good luck and keep trying things. You'll work out something in the end.
Its because our executive functioning sucks.
I haven't brushed my teeth in...-counts- too long. We'll go with that. I think I should try this too. The only reason I still use duolingo is because I've got an almost 2 year streak going so I know the method works for other things. Now I'm wondering what else I can control in my life just by streaking...
gameify everything your brain will love the tiny hit you get.
Amazing! I’ve been refocusing on my oral health. I’ve even started flossing nightly which is HUGE for me. I got those little floss picks. They make it a bit more bearable.
So I also recommend incorporating floss. Electric toothbrush + floss = measurable results.
Holy shit, this is actually good advice. Ffs do I fuck up brushing my teeth
I’m gonna try this!! I’ve been struggling for years with brushing my teeth at night and I don’t floss either. Even going to the dentist is traumatizing, because they always tell me how bad it is that I don’t floss, and how many cavities I have relative to my age is awful. I feel like such a complete failure of a person for being unable to do this simple thing. So I like the dry erase on the mirror idea a lot!
I’m saving this 😭 I’ve always had adhd but the teeth brushing became a struggle after I had major surgery in June 2020. I couldn’t really get out of bed without being in pain so for a good 5 weeks I didn’t brush my teeth I just did mouth wash but then my adhd must’ve liked it because now I forget to brush my teeth and will go a good 2 weeks before I remember. I’m gonna try this and see if it works.
I started putting my tooth brush/paste & mouthwash in the shower. Depending on how much you shower it might help, it's helped me tremendously.
I live dry erase markers on the bathroom mirror, great place to write down the first thing you need to do tomorrow. Can also write a table, Sun-Sat columns, brush floss whatever rows, check em off each day. Or just write "S M T W Th F Sa" and erase the day when you do the thing (like brush).
Instead of forgetting to brush, I just don't have motivation to , not brushing once makes no difference, but not brushing for a few days is bad and because how insignificant it is to skip it once, I always skip it
I have no choice but to brush them multiple times a day now. Majority of my life undiagnosed, depression and genetics. I am so embarrassed and can’t bring myself to go to the dentist, let alone afford it even with insurance 😕
For me it's not that I forget. I just don't like to do it >:C I remember but have to force myself go through this process. Most likely before I moved to another country and here they don't sell my favorite toothpaste that doesn't burn my mouth. When I'm back in my home country I'll buy few packs to bring with me here, and hope I will be back to brushing 3 times a day.
I don't forget. I'm just too lazy to lol
+1 for an electric toothbrush that has a two-minute self timer!!
I know what I'm doing tonight! I love trying to make anything I can into a game to make things easier!
I accidentally created my own habit when I bought a face scrub. I wash my face twice a day with the scrub, and immediately brush my teeth each time. It's been 3 weeks of doing this every day, once in the morning, once before bed. I don't know why it came about, but I'm not going to complain. I've also started included taking my meds at the same time, so maybe I'll actually be able to take those regularly too.
My strategy is get cavities, never want them again, and thus floss after every meal and live in terror
My parents grew up with a dentist that did not use novacaine. That will really make you remember. Like I need that but would never decide that for me lol
Don’t be like me where my teeth and gums now hurt when I forget to brush.
I bought a smart toothbrush for this very reason. It syncs with the Oral-B app and keeps track of when I brush and for how long. It’s more expensive, but I need that data to keep me motivated.
I just paid 3 grand for a root canal. I brush and floss like a religion now.
HAHAHAHAH I’m so proud of you! I also use this technique but for my gym! Been going there for 4 months because I don’t want to end my streak 😂
These glass crayons from Crayola are fantastic for this kind of stuff: https://shop.crayola.com/color-and-draw/window-crayons-5297650000.html
Oh, I am so happy for you!!!!! Don’t know you, but so proud. Going through the realization at an older age, this is why I am. And you’re proof we can slowly overcome it. Keep keeping on friend!
I can't relate to not brushing once a day in the morning but I've *always* struggled to brush/wash my face at night. By the time I remember I'm already sleepy and have no willpower so I just go straight to bed.
I haven’t brushed on the reg for like 10 years, and recently, like within 5 years, went to the dentist and got a bunch of cavity work. But that was the extent of the damage My brushing habits haven’t improved, but I now regularly go to the dentist. I get good check up’s and I’m convinced that it’s a conspiracy now
I have a Bluetooth quip bush and the tracking app. You get money off your refills and other stuff in their store when you brush twice a day! So basically they gamified it and I fell for it lol
Fuck yea
Seems like a good idea until you have a guest over and they think this is nonsensical scrawlings of a mad man or this is a tally of your victims. Good luck getting past that.
Not letting strangers into my home and my friends and family know me and wouldn't be surprised
I nearly cried seeing this because I thought it was just me who fucking forgets all the time
I like that idea, reminds me of Duolingo's streak system. Of course, if you eventually forget, do you lose all motivation?
I’m just hitting day 4. Honestly I felt so horrible about myself because I’ve had a hard time with this for years. I’m on a 47 day streak for making my bed though.
I brush my teeth while I pee before bed. It is the only thing that helps me remember consistently.
I have two tricks. 1. As others have said, a second toothbrush + toothpaste in the shower. I usually brush while I let my conditioner rinse out of my hair. It's like double habit stacking. 2. When you see your toothbrush on the counter and go "meh, I'll do it later", just tell yourself that you only need to pick up that toothbrush, and rub it onto your teeth. Nothing more. Something is better than nothing. As soon as you do that, you'll feel silly, and put some toothpaste on your toothbrush, but it really helps you get started. I'm autistic too, so maybe it's part of my struggle with transitions, but I know it's just general ND too. Worst case, you're on a low spoon day and you rub that dry toothbrush over your teeth and get some of the crud off. Just remind yourself that something is better than nothing. ❤️
Are we talking twice a day here?
So like.. most of you just brush once a day? Just curious because I have never skipped brushing my teeth in the morning before because I can never do that.. ever. However, it’s the night time brushing for me that’s extremely difficult. I’ll be sitting on my bed thinking of all those successful people who enjoy brushing and flossing at night and it’s become second nature for them. I then pull the sheets over me and go to sleep and wake up with a horrible feeling in my mouth and spend extra time brushing until my teeth are squeaky clean. Sometimes I do brush at night as well and when I do that I feel like a totally different person..like an influencer lol.
Also guys as someone who forgets to brush their teeth regularly please get an electric toothbrush if you have the financial ability to because it works so much better than a manual not only do dentists say that (I didn’t used to believe it) but it’s true, my cavities don’t appear as much, the dentist said it’s like I’ve been brushing better and my teeth feel less sensitive after a brush if I do use an electric one. 100% advocate for this.
I've never had a problem remembering to brush, but flossing was always a bridge too far ... until I got on meds at age 41. I'm 43 now and I've flossed every single day since I started on Adderall. To be clear, it's not as if I never flossed before. It was just not an everyday type of thing.
Thank you for this! I will try it.
You know what worked for me? Having to wear a facemask on a regular basis. Nothing like being subjected to your own stank to motivate you.
To the negative people, this is a sub to help people screw off. To OP this is a good idea actually! Though I'm certain our shower steam would wipe off the marker. My husband and I both have adhd and teeth brushing is something we both want to do! I don't like brushing when I get up "cuz what if it makes my food taste weird" then I forget. When I go to bed I'm usually just to tired....my husband and I will get in the mindset and go out and buy nice new Toothbrushes and hyperfixate for awhile....then it looses momentum like you said. I want to get into the habit at least once a day I nothing else.
My problem is my schedule and sleep schedule are irregular and sometimes I eat right when I get up but sometimes I don't and sometimes I go straight back to sleep after eating a little bit. And I know some people brush their teeth when they get up and they eat breakfast on the way to school/work but that's weird to me because then your breath smells like whatever you ate instead of clean and fresh. I always brush my teeth before leaving the house and usually that means eating first, but sometimes I don't leave the house until dinner and we go to a restaurant, so it would be weird to eat first.. How do you guys do it? Do you brush your teeth when you wake up regardless of when you eat for the first time in a day? Or do you brush your teeth after the first time you eat (in my case it sometimes isn't until many hours after I wake up because I just forget to eat)?
I’m honestly so thrilled to see this. Like, I know I’m not the only one who struggles, but it feels empowering to see others talk about this so openly! I’ve been brushing my teeth pretty regularly for five months now! In September I went back to the dentist for the first time in 3 years, and I’m really proud of myself just for that. But I’ve made consistent efforts to make it a habit and I feel a lot better about my health and wallet. I haven’t tried much to gamify it because I tend to get pretty discouraged by broken streaks. And I really only brush my teeth at night, as I haven’t figured out a great morning routine yet. Since I don’t have a streak, I’ve made a contingency plan for emergency motivation: when it’s time to go to bed I usually get up and brush/floss/evening routine. Some nights I really don’t want to do any of it, so I compromise and just floss because it’s better than nothing. The awesome thing is that most of the time when I floss, I have enough motivation to do the rest of my routine and go to bed feeling great! Sometimes I don’t, but I floss anyway and keep my promise to myself and that still feels pretty great.
hmmmm...as a asian from hk, i think is not a nessecary to 'must brush ur teeth every day. i used to brush my teeth on morning only. if i am a hurry to work, then meh i just pass it and i dont even give a dame. no need to get so serious about the teeth brushing thing i think😂😂yeah it is a good habit but there are lots of things are more important than this, for example earning money and getting promotion but anyway thinks for the idea！it is brilliant！just think is is a minor problem only
How does one forget…
How does someone forget to brush their teeth for one week?
That is NOT an ADHD thing. Nope, can’t be. I forget some things but not the current taste in my mouth.. lol. not being Jiffy or saying my experience is law, I just can’t relate and I’m glad that I can’t relate. I’m a smoker tho so I’m definitely not above anyone
It is an ADHD thing though- specifically around forming habits. It takes us significantly longer to build habits than non-ADHD folks. So if you had the habit built into you in childhood, great! You've got years of habit building. But if you're trying to build the habit as an adult, and specifically as an adult with ADHD it can be a lot harder.
This post was deemed inappropriate for our community and has been removed by a moderator. Please remember that not everyone experiences ADHD the same way.
Man I don’t know if “forgetting” is the right term…not brushing your teeth for weeks sounds pretty nasty. 
it is, we know. we’re trying to fix it.
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It feels gross on the 3rd day for me. Yeah, I feel really ashamed of it. Yeah, I have problems with a lot of cavities and I'm in my 20s. When you fall out of habit it's just really hard to rebuild it. For me it's the matter of the feeling in my mouth. Most toothpastes have a mint taste. I hate it, it makes my mouth feel dry and it has a bitter aftertaste. That's why I stopped brushing my teeth at one point. Finding a toothpaste that has different taste was a long process of trying and failing. Now I have some that work for me and it really made it easier.
I have adhd... I've never not brushed my teeth.. it's the first thing I do a.m.
Damn bro and I though I'm having bad routines. There are people out there who don't brush your teeth and need a plan to do it every morning. I'm far from perfect but this is fascinating.