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Advice wanted for parent of teen who wont brush teeth

SarahF

Hi,

I have a question about how to support my autistic 15 year-old with tooth brushing, as he refuses to do it when we remind him or ask if he's done it (he never has) as we have 'ruined things' by asking, or 'made it a chore' (it obviously is a chore!)The dentist has repeatedly expressed concerns about the state of his teeth but he never remembers or can't bring himself to brush them, and now he has very negative opinionsabout that dentist. He is completely dug in on this and I have agreed to back off for a week to 'give him a chance to do it on his own' but I am really worried about the affect this is having on his teeth as I can see that he's not doing it. 

I would be grateful for any tips on how to handle this. We have a good relationship overall. He does not attend school.

Many thanks for any advice you may have,

Parents

  • What is is about brushing that he dislikes so much? I keep being told to use an electric toothbrush, but I can't they vibrate and it feels like a mix between being tickled and an electric shock, so I stick to doing it with an old fashioned tooth brush.

    What about tooth paste, do'es he have a problem with the foaming of it, the flavour etc.

    Would a mouthwash be an option to get him into the habit of dental care and to help rid his mouth of bacteria and debris?

  • in reply to TheCatWoman

    Hi, thanks for responding :) its not that he hates brushing or toothpaste or mouthwash, its something to do with the demand of it, twice a day for the rest of his life has overwhelmed him. Also the fact that I always remind him makes him feel infantalised but also due to depression and fatigue he cant remember to do it or care about it enough to do it, he just finds me annoying.  I have asked him if he would consider using alarm reminders and he says no. The more I think about it I dont think anything with work except him perhaps getting a bad toothache!

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  • in reply to TheCatWoman

    Hi, thanks for responding :) its not that he hates brushing or toothpaste or mouthwash, its something to do with the demand of it, twice a day for the rest of his life has overwhelmed him. Also the fact that I always remind him makes him feel infantalised but also due to depression and fatigue he cant remember to do it or care about it enough to do it, he just finds me annoying.  I have asked him if he would consider using alarm reminders and he says no. The more I think about it I dont think anything with work except him perhaps getting a bad toothache!

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