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Brushing Teeth

Kodey

So, on a similar topic to the dentist thread, I really stuggle to brush my teeth. I hate to admit this to people, I feel so bad about it. Have done for years. This bothers me a lot, it makes my teeth look bad and will mean I'm more likely to get issues with them. I also really dislike the dentist.

I want to be better at brushing my teeth but I can't even really identify why this issue is even occuring. Its partly the remembering it but sometimes I remember, but just really don't want to. I hate brushing them. But I want to look after myself properly and also not have to go to the dentist because of issues I can prevent.

So what can I do? How can I get better at it?

Parents
  • Former Member
    Former Member

    Hello,

    Difficulty in actuating fundamental tasks - such as teeth brushing - is an executive functioning issue. Problems with executive functioning are one of the most frustrating aspects of being autistic.

    One of the major components of executive functions is working memory. This ‘memory is necessary for prospective action, whether the action is a motor act, a mental operation, or a piece of spoken language.’

    A tactic employed by some to circumvent these types of problems is to use one of the personal assistant apps available for mobile phones. Set an alarm or reminder to prompt you at the appropriate times to brush your teeth. This method of self regulation can be effective and will hopefully be self reinforcing as time goes by. The apps may be called something else. I don’t use a mobile, so I can’t recommend one.

    Some psychologists and philosophers think we will increasingly use our electronic devices to outsource cognitive tasks. This theory is called Extended Cognition.

    I hope this helps.

    Information taken from:

    The Prefrontal Cortex. 4th Edition Joaquín M. Fuster

    Executive function~ and the frontal lobes: a lifespan perspective. Editors, VIckI Anderson, Rani lambs.

    Interview with Andy Clark about Extended Cognition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc-TdMjuJRU

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  • Former Member
    Former Member

    Hello,

    Difficulty in actuating fundamental tasks - such as teeth brushing - is an executive functioning issue. Problems with executive functioning are one of the most frustrating aspects of being autistic.

    One of the major components of executive functions is working memory. This ‘memory is necessary for prospective action, whether the action is a motor act, a mental operation, or a piece of spoken language.’

    A tactic employed by some to circumvent these types of problems is to use one of the personal assistant apps available for mobile phones. Set an alarm or reminder to prompt you at the appropriate times to brush your teeth. This method of self regulation can be effective and will hopefully be self reinforcing as time goes by. The apps may be called something else. I don’t use a mobile, so I can’t recommend one.

    Some psychologists and philosophers think we will increasingly use our electronic devices to outsource cognitive tasks. This theory is called Extended Cognition.

    I hope this helps.

    Information taken from:

    The Prefrontal Cortex. 4th Edition Joaquín M. Fuster

    Executive function~ and the frontal lobes: a lifespan perspective. Editors, VIckI Anderson, Rani lambs.

    Interview with Andy Clark about Extended Cognition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc-TdMjuJRU

Children
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