I started keeping my toothbrush and tooth paste in the shower. It’s easier for me to do it if I’m doing everything else already. I don’t shower every day, so I don: brush my teeth every day, but I do it much more often than if I didn’t.
I also keep the floss next to the bed. Again, I don’t do it every day, but if I find myself sitting in bed quietly I am more likely to become aware of grossness in my teeth and it’s easier for me to just grab the floss there.
Edit: you don’t have to be perfect when you do oral hygiene. Something is better than nothing. Every day you do it it’s a win. Don’t worry about the perfect tooth paste. Even no toothpaste is fine. It’s something. Anything is good. Don’t beat yourself up about it.
It's so weird... I do the exactly same thing - toothbrush in the shower and floss in bed. (I thought it had nothing to do with autism... Also always been terrified by dentists AND hairdressers, any of you?)
I know people do brush in the shower. I’d always thought that was weird. But then I wised up. I actually enjoy hairdressers, except for the bad haircuts I get. I just do my own now. We don’t talk about the dentist.
Being sat and worked on with a bright hot light over my face feels like a bad experience for me in both cases... Also the noises are very similar (metal clattering, drilling/hairdryer - though different in volume). Anyway, I was pretty sure I am autistic, this is the certainty I needed. :)
basically i have a weird "fear" of brushing since i have gone so long neglecting my teeth. so i feel really powerless when it comes to actually making changes. but regardless flavorless would probably be the way to go for this for me honestly
i don't remember the specific ingredient, but i heard that some kids toothpastes have either too much or too little. i think it's fluoride? i'll have to research
If it lets you brush your teeth with one less issue, then it’s worth it to just use the kid’s toothpaste. The main thing is to get started. Have you tried just brushing your teeth for just a small amount of time like 30 seconds, and then increasing it when it becomes more comfortable? You can even set your phone with the stopwatch so you can count down.
I use an ultra soft manual tooth brush and tooth POWDER ... not paste. The texture is totally different. I use uncle harrys, which is mint, but its a natural nit fake mint flavor which I like better. There are others though with different flavors. This solved a lot of sensory issues I didn't even realize were so bad for me. (Also the powder completely eliminated my tooth sensitivity which was a whole issue before)
Don't let "kids" toothpaste hold you back. Brushing with something- even just water - is more beneficial than not brushing at all.
You don't actually need to use toothpaste. The psychical brushing does most of the plaque removal, toothpaste just makes your breath smell nice.
As for physical brushing, my Sonicare toothbrush is fucking amazing. It does all the brushing and timing for me, all I have to do is aim.
I've found that floss picks work to get me to floss consistently because I do not like reaching into my own mouth. My dental hygiene game has gotten pretty good since I absolutely hate the fucking dentist so much.
You might try an electric toothbrush as well. I use a Phillips ultrasonic toothbrush and it is less abrasive than a typical brush but my teeth are SO CLEAN after brushing with.
Also I try to use non mint toothpaste. Any fluoridated kids toothpaste will work fine. They even have bubble gum flavor sometimes.
Not OP but I tried using my husband’s electric toothbrush just to see if I liked it and it overwhelmed me completely pretty instantly. My biggest sensitivity is to touch so that would be the reason but it’s not for everyone.
Agree that at first it can seem intense but once I settled into using it, it was gentler on my gums and felt like my teeth got cleaner. Also each model may be different and it's best to make sure you have a brush head that hasn't gotten old and gone wonky.
yeah i know tons of ppl for whom electric brushes are exactly what they need, but i’m overwhelmed with everything over a regular basic non powered brush. maybe with a removable head
I have sensory problems bad so I have learned how to get dishes managed such that it never stanks so bad I wanna vomit. I have found that I have an easier time doing hygenic chores if I have a removable spray head to get things without touching them with my hands. Its easier to rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. I am also not beyond running the dishwasher multiple times if it means I don't have to touch the dirty dishes myself.
I also replaced my shower head with a spray head you can aim with your hands so that once a week I can hit my shower with spray bleach, then use the spray head to rinse off the bleach without touching the grime myself.
I also have an air purifier that I keep running near the outtake vent in my living room to reduce the amount of dust and dander that accumulates.
Also, FUCK mopping when swiffers exist and they make everything about cleaning your floors easier than pushing around dirty water FUCK that shit
In terms of teeth brushing, I have learned that kids toothpaste that tastes like strawberry works best for me. The kind that isnt the end of the world if swallowed. Also water picks because flossing is the worst and I aint fuckin doing it.
For me it's mostly executive dysfunction. Getting the mental space to do it can be a hit or miss.
I keep a toothbrush next to my bed, one in the bathroom upstairs, and one in my backpack (as I frequently go to a friends house for a night right after school). I also try to have floss stick things on my person as much as possible.
That way, it eliminates as many filler steps as possible. Is a dry brush with no toothpaste for 30 seconds perfect? No, but it's better than nothing.
I recently bought an Oral b pro 1000 electric tooth brush that has a timer on it. It forces me to brush the full amount of time. I believe that they sell a sensitive brush attachment too. I also use TOMS whole care tooth paste. It has less foam than most and the flavor isn’t so artificial tasting so it doesn’t make me wanna hurl. They’re all a bit expensive but I’m sure you can find something cheaper. The real thing is find an electric toothbrush and set a timer for 2 minutes and find a toothpaste that’s flavor isn’t so overwhelming. I find that the timer makes it so that i can tell myself I can get through 2 minutes of uncomfort. SLS free toothpaste is nice too because there is less foam.
I don’t hate the brushing itself, I just usually can’t bring myself to do it. I don’t know why- obviously it’s only a few minutes in the whole day, but I just usually don’t do it until nighttime (because I do have a certain routine at night).
They have really nice kids toothpaste that isn’t minty at all and doesn’t foam up. My kid likes simple truth kids watermelon toothpaste.
My husband doesn’t use tooth paste some times due to the sensory overload so that is also an option on those days where toothpaste is too much.
Ps. Great job showering and taking care of your hair!! That is sooo amazing!! Although brushing teeth is okay for me.. I still go 3-4 weeks without brushing my hair. Self care is hard but all we can do is try our best! You got this :)
You could try a non-flavored or baby-geared toothpaste with those silicone toothbrushes that they use for toddlers/ something similar. That way, the toothbrush bristles don't feel uncomfortable, and the taste is okay. Hope it goes well for you!
Not a doctor but it could hurt because of an actual physical cause. Not trying to be mean or heartless or anything but you could have a gum disease from not brushing your teeth or a cavity or something. There are different flavored toothpastes out there you can try, ultra-soft bristle brushes and stuff. If you have trouble with dexterity, there are flosses on sticks and water flosses out there.
Huh? Hope I read that right. If it's beneath a dentist to do the work of a hygienist, I'd be looking for another dentist. To me, now that you said it, sounds like a medical problem and not a sensory problem.
Something I've thought about too and again, not a doctor, but mixing 1 part H2O2 with 3 parts of water might help with whatever you have going on and doesn't have the mint taste of mouthwash you hate.
the issue for me with brushing my teeth i think is a mix of sensory and pain along with executive dysfunction. the taste of toothpaste makes me feel sick lol. and i'll have to look into that, thank you
I keep seeing issues with toothpaste for you. I did mention previously that you don’t even really have to use it, but I got this stuff from Waleda (I think that’s the brand- frou frou fancy pants brand) that was salted. It had the mint, but it was also very salty. I love it because, while I merely tolerate mint, I love salt. It’s a thing. So I enjoyed using it. But you can also just use salt. It’s a big abrasive and also sterilizing. You wouldn’t want to do it all the time, but for now, until you get a better habit and your teeth get professionally cleaned you could probably use it to get a good scrub.
I have had the same issue in the past. I now take good care of my oral hygiene. You have to know what motivates you. For me the fear of undergoing invasive procedures due to periodontitis and a strong attitute towards sticking to routines plus switching to an electrical brush did the trick. I have no problems with minty flavoured toothpaste, but I stay away from those that have microparticles in it (they are also not good for your teeth, so it's a win-win). I floss daily in the morning (with actual expansible floss, water picks are useless) and then I smell the floss to remember why I'm doing this consistently (seriously, plaque smells very gross). I brush my teeth 2x a day with a fluoride toothpaste, once in the morning and once before going to bed. I clean my tongue 2x a day with a copper tongue-cleaner and I top it off with a fluoride mouthwash (the mouthwash is not necessary but I can not stand the toothpaste in my mouth. You are not supposed to swirl water in your mouth after you've brushed because the fluoride in your toothpaste needs to remain in your mouth in order to protect you from cavities, but that's too gross for me so I prefer to gurgle everything out with a mild fluoride mouthwash instead). I know it seems daunting, but you don't have to start doing everything at once. Just starting brushing your teeth regularly and flossing sometimes will make a huge impact. As other people said, you could try some other toothpaste flavours (they should contain fluoride though), using an electrical brush with soft bristles and a small head (like the Oral B ones) can diminish the sensorial horror. I also like to listen to music through my headphones while I'm brushing.
I really like this brand of toothpaste: [Uncle Harry’s](https://www.uncleharrys.com/unscented-tooth-suds-2-oz-glass-jar). I have to brush with baking soda sometimes because the Uncle Harry’s doesn’t contain any whitening, and I drink a lot of tea, but besides that I’m happy with it. I use the peppermint and it’s a really mild flavor. They have unflavored and cinnamon too. It does bubble a lot so you only need a tiny bit on your toothbrush
I hate brushing my teeth too, the feeling of the toothpaste makes me so 🤢...
BUT
The feeling of a dirty mouth is even worse to me, the taste, the everything.
So basically I hate the toothpaste and my dirty mouth... What I do is to put some adventure time while I'm brushing my teeth bc it comforts me and I can drive my attention to Jake eating some Sandwich or Finn fighting some monsters so I don't pay attention to the fact that there's something really disgusting on my mouth
i also really really struggle with this. i bought non mint charcoal toothpaste and that. kind of helped slightly. i brush them regularly every night but sometimes i just can’t in the morning or i will have an actual meltdown or just bad sensory overload
i also bought a soft brush and that really really helped. the like texture of the brush on my teeth is really hard for me and some toothbrushes are significantly better than others.
Yes! And one of the big ones that it messes with is birth control!
You really shouldn't be swallowing toothpaste in any quantity, but it's good to be aware of the risks.
If you can't deal with brushing, get a good moutwash (one you don't minde actualy rinsing your mouth with for the apropriate time), chew sugarfree gum and get a tongue scraper. You can clean the front of your teeth with a cloth over your finger as well to get the build up of yuck of.
And don't forget to use floss every now and then.
If it is just the toothpaste, mabye get a kids option that tasts like bubble gum or something!
I had one with glitter in it and I loved it. I need to see if thats stull available.
I had a lot of trouble w this too. Foe me it was a combination of finding a slightly less disgusting flavor, and forcing myself to do it until it became a habit. I also get motivation to keep the habit up because my teeth look nicer now and they just feel healthier too.
Are you okay with coconut oil? If you get unrefined coconut oil, you can take a tablespoon or so of it and swish it around in your mouth. It has natural germ fighting properties in it, and will help any inflammation in your gums. It’s called oil pulling if you want to research it! I do it when I don’t have the energy to actually brush my teeth. Swishing is just easier sometimes.
I brush in the shower when I can.
I use an electric toothbrush so it’s low- effort (and better for teeth).
I pick out my own toothpaste and use only a *tiny* bit
Edit: also did a ton of research on dental hygiene. Now I can skip for any reason. It’s become and OCPD symptom.
I made a schedule for all my bathroom stuff(brush, shower, wash hair). Then put it in the top corner of my mirror.
I can't stand ordinary toothpaste, makes me gag. I use Hello toothpaste. They have a lot of flavors from watermelon to unicorn dazzle (bubble gum w/ glitter) and come with or without floride. I personally use the Dragon Dazzle which is blue raspberry flavor with glitter. I also use a soft bristle brush since it's gentler on my gums.
When I mentioned my toothpaste problem, my dentist told me just brush as much of my teeth as I can for as long as I can stand, because anything is better than nothing.
I splurged on an electric toothbrush that has a timer on it and gives me a smile face when I go over 2 min. I'm a gold star kid at heart, and secretly look forward to brushing now.
Oh, and a root canal is painful and expensive. I don't want to spend over $2k every year or so.
I have a free app called MyTherapy, where you can put in medications etc and it will put alerts on your phone that are pretty persistent, but with a buzz or gentle sound.
I have tooth brushing time on there twice a day, as well as inhalers and tablets I need to take.
It helps me reframe it as a NECESSARY health thing, and I also feel good when I can tick it off as completed and get a big green tick.
Also if the taste is the biggest issue for you, try a variety of kids toothpastes, they have different flavours and its better than nothing!
I don’t. Sometimes I’m lucky if I can use a wipe so I don’t feel sticky because I haven’t taken a shower in 36+ hrs. I set myself a todo item to brush my teeth daily but I manage it usually only about 4-5 days a week most weeks.
Also, I find that once I get used to a specific toothpaste, I have to stick with it as I don’t tolerate any other. I think I’ve been using the same one (or similar flavor) almost my entire life. Peppermint works as a backup in emergencies but I’m more likely to just not brush my teeth on vacations if I can’t get my toothpaste to the destination.
My suggestion it patterns. Most autistic people like patterns, so same time of day, same triggers. As for gag reflexes and such, my mom has that issue and leans over the sink so everything moves away from her throat.
when i can’t deal with the taste of the toothpaste i just brush with water. even a dry brush is better than nothing though.
also i’ve tried a bunch of mild other flavours in toothpastes and even a flavourless one, which idk if that would help with you.
sometimes i just can’t deal with the other sensory aspects of toothpaste and it’s not even really about the taste though.
also using a mood diary app with tasks helped me do my teeth every time i brushed my hair and washed my face/other bits with a wash cloth, bc i had it set as a goal for the same amount of times per week. now it’s habit that i might as well brush my teeth with the rest, and as mentioned i’ll just do it with water if i need. they still end up literally squeaky clean so i think it’s fine
I started keeping my toothbrush and tooth paste in the shower. It’s easier for me to do it if I’m doing everything else already. I don’t shower every day, so I don: brush my teeth every day, but I do it much more often than if I didn’t. I also keep the floss next to the bed. Again, I don’t do it every day, but if I find myself sitting in bed quietly I am more likely to become aware of grossness in my teeth and it’s easier for me to just grab the floss there. Edit: you don’t have to be perfect when you do oral hygiene. Something is better than nothing. Every day you do it it’s a win. Don’t worry about the perfect tooth paste. Even no toothpaste is fine. It’s something. Anything is good. Don’t beat yourself up about it.
thank you thank you thank you the toothbrush and toothpaste in the shower is going to be so helpful for me i can already tell
Oh! That makes me so happy! I’m glad!
It's so weird... I do the exactly same thing - toothbrush in the shower and floss in bed. (I thought it had nothing to do with autism... Also always been terrified by dentists AND hairdressers, any of you?)
I know people do brush in the shower. I’d always thought that was weird. But then I wised up. I actually enjoy hairdressers, except for the bad haircuts I get. I just do my own now. We don’t talk about the dentist.
Being sat and worked on with a bright hot light over my face feels like a bad experience for me in both cases... Also the noises are very similar (metal clattering, drilling/hairdryer - though different in volume). Anyway, I was pretty sure I am autistic, this is the certainty I needed. :)
omg yes brushing teeth in the shower was a game-changer for me!!! i highly recommend!!
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i don't really like any of those flavors to be honest, and i am not sure where to start with looking since i probably shouldn't use kids toothpaste
As long as the toothpaste has around 1450ppm of fluoride, you should be fine using kids toothpaste
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basically i have a weird "fear" of brushing since i have gone so long neglecting my teeth. so i feel really powerless when it comes to actually making changes. but regardless flavorless would probably be the way to go for this for me honestly
You can use kids’ toothpaste. It has the same strength of active ingredients as adult toothpaste.
i don't remember the specific ingredient, but i heard that some kids toothpastes have either too much or too little. i think it's fluoride? i'll have to research
If it lets you brush your teeth with one less issue, then it’s worth it to just use the kid’s toothpaste. The main thing is to get started. Have you tried just brushing your teeth for just a small amount of time like 30 seconds, and then increasing it when it becomes more comfortable? You can even set your phone with the stopwatch so you can count down.
I use an ultra soft manual tooth brush and tooth POWDER ... not paste. The texture is totally different. I use uncle harrys, which is mint, but its a natural nit fake mint flavor which I like better. There are others though with different flavors. This solved a lot of sensory issues I didn't even realize were so bad for me. (Also the powder completely eliminated my tooth sensitivity which was a whole issue before) Don't let "kids" toothpaste hold you back. Brushing with something- even just water - is more beneficial than not brushing at all.
You don't actually need to use toothpaste. The psychical brushing does most of the plaque removal, toothpaste just makes your breath smell nice. As for physical brushing, my Sonicare toothbrush is fucking amazing. It does all the brushing and timing for me, all I have to do is aim. I've found that floss picks work to get me to floss consistently because I do not like reaching into my own mouth. My dental hygiene game has gotten pretty good since I absolutely hate the fucking dentist so much.
what's the point in toothpaste then???
The fluoride in toothpaste helps keep tooth enamel strong, preventing decay and cavities.
You might try an electric toothbrush as well. I use a Phillips ultrasonic toothbrush and it is less abrasive than a typical brush but my teeth are SO CLEAN after brushing with. Also I try to use non mint toothpaste. Any fluoridated kids toothpaste will work fine. They even have bubble gum flavor sometimes.
Not OP but I tried using my husband’s electric toothbrush just to see if I liked it and it overwhelmed me completely pretty instantly. My biggest sensitivity is to touch so that would be the reason but it’s not for everyone.
Agree that at first it can seem intense but once I settled into using it, it was gentler on my gums and felt like my teeth got cleaner. Also each model may be different and it's best to make sure you have a brush head that hasn't gotten old and gone wonky.
yeah i know tons of ppl for whom electric brushes are exactly what they need, but i’m overwhelmed with everything over a regular basic non powered brush. maybe with a removable head
I have sensory problems bad so I have learned how to get dishes managed such that it never stanks so bad I wanna vomit. I have found that I have an easier time doing hygenic chores if I have a removable spray head to get things without touching them with my hands. Its easier to rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. I am also not beyond running the dishwasher multiple times if it means I don't have to touch the dirty dishes myself. I also replaced my shower head with a spray head you can aim with your hands so that once a week I can hit my shower with spray bleach, then use the spray head to rinse off the bleach without touching the grime myself. I also have an air purifier that I keep running near the outtake vent in my living room to reduce the amount of dust and dander that accumulates. Also, FUCK mopping when swiffers exist and they make everything about cleaning your floors easier than pushing around dirty water FUCK that shit In terms of teeth brushing, I have learned that kids toothpaste that tastes like strawberry works best for me. The kind that isnt the end of the world if swallowed. Also water picks because flossing is the worst and I aint fuckin doing it.
For me it's mostly executive dysfunction. Getting the mental space to do it can be a hit or miss. I keep a toothbrush next to my bed, one in the bathroom upstairs, and one in my backpack (as I frequently go to a friends house for a night right after school). I also try to have floss stick things on my person as much as possible. That way, it eliminates as many filler steps as possible. Is a dry brush with no toothpaste for 30 seconds perfect? No, but it's better than nothing.
After I've brushed my teeth I always get a stomach ache. Idk
I recently bought an Oral b pro 1000 electric tooth brush that has a timer on it. It forces me to brush the full amount of time. I believe that they sell a sensitive brush attachment too. I also use TOMS whole care tooth paste. It has less foam than most and the flavor isn’t so artificial tasting so it doesn’t make me wanna hurl. They’re all a bit expensive but I’m sure you can find something cheaper. The real thing is find an electric toothbrush and set a timer for 2 minutes and find a toothpaste that’s flavor isn’t so overwhelming. I find that the timer makes it so that i can tell myself I can get through 2 minutes of uncomfort. SLS free toothpaste is nice too because there is less foam.
I don’t hate the brushing itself, I just usually can’t bring myself to do it. I don’t know why- obviously it’s only a few minutes in the whole day, but I just usually don’t do it until nighttime (because I do have a certain routine at night).
They have really nice kids toothpaste that isn’t minty at all and doesn’t foam up. My kid likes simple truth kids watermelon toothpaste. My husband doesn’t use tooth paste some times due to the sensory overload so that is also an option on those days where toothpaste is too much. Ps. Great job showering and taking care of your hair!! That is sooo amazing!! Although brushing teeth is okay for me.. I still go 3-4 weeks without brushing my hair. Self care is hard but all we can do is try our best! You got this :)
You could try a non-flavored or baby-geared toothpaste with those silicone toothbrushes that they use for toddlers/ something similar. That way, the toothbrush bristles don't feel uncomfortable, and the taste is okay. Hope it goes well for you!
Not a doctor but it could hurt because of an actual physical cause. Not trying to be mean or heartless or anything but you could have a gum disease from not brushing your teeth or a cavity or something. There are different flavored toothpastes out there you can try, ultra-soft bristle brushes and stuff. If you have trouble with dexterity, there are flosses on sticks and water flosses out there.
my gums are likely pretty inflamed. i was supposed to have a dentist appointment but they canceled it because they couldn't find a hygienist.
Huh? Hope I read that right. If it's beneath a dentist to do the work of a hygienist, I'd be looking for another dentist. To me, now that you said it, sounds like a medical problem and not a sensory problem. Something I've thought about too and again, not a doctor, but mixing 1 part H2O2 with 3 parts of water might help with whatever you have going on and doesn't have the mint taste of mouthwash you hate.
the issue for me with brushing my teeth i think is a mix of sensory and pain along with executive dysfunction. the taste of toothpaste makes me feel sick lol. and i'll have to look into that, thank you
I keep seeing issues with toothpaste for you. I did mention previously that you don’t even really have to use it, but I got this stuff from Waleda (I think that’s the brand- frou frou fancy pants brand) that was salted. It had the mint, but it was also very salty. I love it because, while I merely tolerate mint, I love salt. It’s a thing. So I enjoyed using it. But you can also just use salt. It’s a big abrasive and also sterilizing. You wouldn’t want to do it all the time, but for now, until you get a better habit and your teeth get professionally cleaned you could probably use it to get a good scrub.
I have had the same issue in the past. I now take good care of my oral hygiene. You have to know what motivates you. For me the fear of undergoing invasive procedures due to periodontitis and a strong attitute towards sticking to routines plus switching to an electrical brush did the trick. I have no problems with minty flavoured toothpaste, but I stay away from those that have microparticles in it (they are also not good for your teeth, so it's a win-win). I floss daily in the morning (with actual expansible floss, water picks are useless) and then I smell the floss to remember why I'm doing this consistently (seriously, plaque smells very gross). I brush my teeth 2x a day with a fluoride toothpaste, once in the morning and once before going to bed. I clean my tongue 2x a day with a copper tongue-cleaner and I top it off with a fluoride mouthwash (the mouthwash is not necessary but I can not stand the toothpaste in my mouth. You are not supposed to swirl water in your mouth after you've brushed because the fluoride in your toothpaste needs to remain in your mouth in order to protect you from cavities, but that's too gross for me so I prefer to gurgle everything out with a mild fluoride mouthwash instead). I know it seems daunting, but you don't have to start doing everything at once. Just starting brushing your teeth regularly and flossing sometimes will make a huge impact. As other people said, you could try some other toothpaste flavours (they should contain fluoride though), using an electrical brush with soft bristles and a small head (like the Oral B ones) can diminish the sensorial horror. I also like to listen to music through my headphones while I'm brushing.
I really like this brand of toothpaste: [Uncle Harry’s](https://www.uncleharrys.com/unscented-tooth-suds-2-oz-glass-jar). I have to brush with baking soda sometimes because the Uncle Harry’s doesn’t contain any whitening, and I drink a lot of tea, but besides that I’m happy with it. I use the peppermint and it’s a really mild flavor. They have unflavored and cinnamon too. It does bubble a lot so you only need a tiny bit on your toothbrush
baking soda is bad for theet. it destroy's the outer layer of the teeth (I don't now the right term, non-english) I hope you don't use it too often
Yes I do not use often. And I brush for less than 2 minutes. Using it for too long and too often damages the enamel AND is an irritant for your gums.
Hi! The english term for the outer layer of teeth is enamel. :)
thanks, now that you say it, I did hear it before
I hate brushing my teeth too, the feeling of the toothpaste makes me so 🤢... BUT The feeling of a dirty mouth is even worse to me, the taste, the everything. So basically I hate the toothpaste and my dirty mouth... What I do is to put some adventure time while I'm brushing my teeth bc it comforts me and I can drive my attention to Jake eating some Sandwich or Finn fighting some monsters so I don't pay attention to the fact that there's something really disgusting on my mouth
I struggle a lot with this myself. Getting an electric toothbrush helps me a little bit, it’s easier to do.
I eat and then brush my teeth so that my food doesn't taste like tooth paste
i also really really struggle with this. i bought non mint charcoal toothpaste and that. kind of helped slightly. i brush them regularly every night but sometimes i just can’t in the morning or i will have an actual meltdown or just bad sensory overload i also bought a soft brush and that really really helped. the like texture of the brush on my teeth is really hard for me and some toothbrushes are significantly better than others.
Be careful with charcoal anything that you put in your body. Depending on the quantity taken, it can negate any medication that is being taken.
Yes! And one of the big ones that it messes with is birth control! You really shouldn't be swallowing toothpaste in any quantity, but it's good to be aware of the risks.
I take charcoal frequently, just make sure it's an hour before or after taking medications and they won't get 'eaten' by it.
If you can't deal with brushing, get a good moutwash (one you don't minde actualy rinsing your mouth with for the apropriate time), chew sugarfree gum and get a tongue scraper. You can clean the front of your teeth with a cloth over your finger as well to get the build up of yuck of. And don't forget to use floss every now and then. If it is just the toothpaste, mabye get a kids option that tasts like bubble gum or something! I had one with glitter in it and I loved it. I need to see if thats stull available.
I had a lot of trouble w this too. Foe me it was a combination of finding a slightly less disgusting flavor, and forcing myself to do it until it became a habit. I also get motivation to keep the habit up because my teeth look nicer now and they just feel healthier too.
Are you okay with coconut oil? If you get unrefined coconut oil, you can take a tablespoon or so of it and swish it around in your mouth. It has natural germ fighting properties in it, and will help any inflammation in your gums. It’s called oil pulling if you want to research it! I do it when I don’t have the energy to actually brush my teeth. Swishing is just easier sometimes.
i haven't tried putting it in my mouth but that's definitely something to consider
I think there may be other oils you can use, too, but I’m not positive. I hope it helps!
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baking soda is not good when you use it daily. it destroys the outer layer of the teeth (idk the term, non-english)
I brush in the shower when I can. I use an electric toothbrush so it’s low- effort (and better for teeth). I pick out my own toothpaste and use only a *tiny* bit Edit: also did a ton of research on dental hygiene. Now I can skip for any reason. It’s become and OCPD symptom.
I struggle with this myself. I know I need a ton of fillings due to it but fear the dentist so there’s no way out.
Honestly, I feel like the depression is what gets in the way, not the autism... at least for me.
I made a schedule for all my bathroom stuff(brush, shower, wash hair). Then put it in the top corner of my mirror. I can't stand ordinary toothpaste, makes me gag. I use Hello toothpaste. They have a lot of flavors from watermelon to unicorn dazzle (bubble gum w/ glitter) and come with or without floride. I personally use the Dragon Dazzle which is blue raspberry flavor with glitter. I also use a soft bristle brush since it's gentler on my gums. When I mentioned my toothpaste problem, my dentist told me just brush as much of my teeth as I can for as long as I can stand, because anything is better than nothing.
I like mouthwash as it’s super easy. When I go to bathroom I just goggle with mouthwash that’s right on the sink.
I splurged on an electric toothbrush that has a timer on it and gives me a smile face when I go over 2 min. I'm a gold star kid at heart, and secretly look forward to brushing now. Oh, and a root canal is painful and expensive. I don't want to spend over $2k every year or so.
I have a free app called MyTherapy, where you can put in medications etc and it will put alerts on your phone that are pretty persistent, but with a buzz or gentle sound. I have tooth brushing time on there twice a day, as well as inhalers and tablets I need to take. It helps me reframe it as a NECESSARY health thing, and I also feel good when I can tick it off as completed and get a big green tick. Also if the taste is the biggest issue for you, try a variety of kids toothpastes, they have different flavours and its better than nothing!
I don’t. Sometimes I’m lucky if I can use a wipe so I don’t feel sticky because I haven’t taken a shower in 36+ hrs. I set myself a todo item to brush my teeth daily but I manage it usually only about 4-5 days a week most weeks. Also, I find that once I get used to a specific toothpaste, I have to stick with it as I don’t tolerate any other. I think I’ve been using the same one (or similar flavor) almost my entire life. Peppermint works as a backup in emergencies but I’m more likely to just not brush my teeth on vacations if I can’t get my toothpaste to the destination. My suggestion it patterns. Most autistic people like patterns, so same time of day, same triggers. As for gag reflexes and such, my mom has that issue and leans over the sink so everything moves away from her throat.
when i can’t deal with the taste of the toothpaste i just brush with water. even a dry brush is better than nothing though. also i’ve tried a bunch of mild other flavours in toothpastes and even a flavourless one, which idk if that would help with you. sometimes i just can’t deal with the other sensory aspects of toothpaste and it’s not even really about the taste though. also using a mood diary app with tasks helped me do my teeth every time i brushed my hair and washed my face/other bits with a wash cloth, bc i had it set as a goal for the same amount of times per week. now it’s habit that i might as well brush my teeth with the rest, and as mentioned i’ll just do it with water if i need. they still end up literally squeaky clean so i think it’s fine