Struggling with Brushing Teeth: Need Help!

I just stopped using mint toothpaste, floss, and mouth wash and I now use watermelon or fruit flavors instead.☺️

using a nicely flavored toothpaste on a cloth or rag and rubbing it in circles on the teeth in the only way I can use toothpaste. It minimizes foam and taste to a bearable level. I use floss and a dental pick to get the hard-to-reach spots first

I didn't realize this was an autism thing omg!! this thread is so helpful!!! I have nothing to add but thank you for posting, fr I thought I was the only one lol 😅

On days you feel like you can't brush use a month wash

we do! we haven't found a lot of success in "fixing" it, but we've started trying other toothpastes to see what makes it bearable. the hello brand has been best so far with their unicorn flavored one, but we don't quite like that one either, it's just the first that isn't overwhelming. we also have had bouts of bulimia in the past, and brushing our tongue can trigger us to gag very easily; get a tongue scraper instead of using a brush. we have found that leaving the water running helps too, it's a bit of a sensory distraction and makes it more bearable. if you still struggle, you can try a water flosser or one of those "automatic" type tooth brushes that you just put in your mouth and hold there for a while like teeth whiteners do. and trust me i know brushing your teeth daily if not MULTIPLE times a day is a huge ask (like, that's a lot, holy shit) there's no shame in skipping every once in a while, and if you still feel like your teeth are yucky, run a washcloth or some other fabric across your teeth and gums. it'll help jostle up that plaque and keep them clean in the meantime. i honestly think this is what's kept my teeth mostly healthy among years and years of sensory aversion. i can't handle brushing without toothpaste either, just too weird to me, but if toothpaste is the problem, consider brushing without it! it's still vastly better for you than not at all (: good luck pal

I had to learn what changes I can make to avoid my specific sensory aversions. For example, I hate the taste of extreme mint and floride, especially together, so I instead use a charcoal paste. Also I make sure my tooth brushes don't have ridiculously rigid bristles but are still strong enough to get a thorough brush while still staying on the brush. It's definitely trial and error to see what specifically makes you uncomfortable with brushing, but once you find the alternatives it's easy to stick to a healthy routine.