Toothbrushing
Hello! As an autistic person with depression i have a really hard time brushing my teeth. It used to be easier as a kid because my mom is very particular about oral health and would make sure me and my brother would always brush before bed. Although I did often gag and hated the texture of tooth brushes and toothpaste and still do, I wouldn’t complain. She stopped reminding us and expected us to do it on our own the more we grew up and by the time i was in middle school there were only occasional reminders around dentists appointments. As a teen and as an adult now I struggle to remember or get motivation to brush my teeth on my own. I have to use kids sized toothbrushes still because any sizes bigger irritates me too much. I don’t floss because of similar sensory issues. It’s quite frustrating when people notice that my teeth are more yellow and point it out, it makes me feel insecure and embarrassed. I do still try to brush my teeth at least once a week with water most of the time whenever I get the motivation to force myself to do it and I occasionally use teeth whiteners because my teeth are stained yellow. I drink a lot of tea so between that and not brushing as much as i should, i have yellow teeth even when i do brush from the staining.
Does anyone have any tips on how to make brushing my teeth easier? Maybe a way to help with the sensory overload of it?
@sillyshark5555
Hi there. Have you considered trying out an electric toothbrush? They can be so much softer in texture for teeth and gumbs. I hear you about flossing, as it’s not something I like either, and it makes me gag!
If you find toothpaste unpleasant in taste, maybe look for a gel one or foamless. I know some of them can be quite strong and minty.
Hope this helps and happy brushing! 😁
I personally only manage to brush my teeth in the shower, for me, as I'm already soaked from the shower, sensory wise it's not too overwhelming. I also don't use toothpaste and there are quite a lot of other more natural less overwhelming minty flavours which I find helps too!
another good way to help is like a rewards chart, or something like that. I use the finch self care app, you look after a penguin and receive gems for completing tasks, it really helps me!
I have a handful of suggestions, I hope maybe they can help
1. Try different flavored toothpaste other than mint. For me, a different flavor really helped
2. Try no toothpaste at all. Burshing your teeth is more about disturbing plac growth than anything
3. Try wisps, a 'on the go' toothbrush. For me, the texture is completely different and not as bad
4. There's over your finger toothbrushes that have a completely different texture
Hope one of these can help!
