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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

  • The thing that I recognised in your post is 'ruined it by asking'. My son doesn't like to be asked, so I try with things that are required I try to talk around things, or say something which reminds him. Would it help to have new toothbrushes and toothpaste in a place available where he can select them? If you are transporting him somewhere perhaps to say 'I will be ready when I have cleaned my teeth?' 

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  • The thing that I recognised in your post is 'ruined it by asking'. My son doesn't like to be asked, so I try with things that are required I try to talk around things, or say something which reminds him. Would it help to have new toothbrushes and toothpaste in a place available where he can select them? If you are transporting him somewhere perhaps to say 'I will be ready when I have cleaned my teeth?' 

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