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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

  • On top of the other advice -mine used to use a Pokémon toothbrushing app. Obviously unless they were a Pokémon fan that would be too young, but I think there are ones for older age groups if you search? Gamifying it could potentially help unless he finds that condescending.

    My youngest hates being told to brush teeth, but I can ask if she's done everything before bed -avoiding it being a specific request can help.

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  • On top of the other advice -mine used to use a Pokémon toothbrushing app. Obviously unless they were a Pokémon fan that would be too young, but I think there are ones for older age groups if you search? Gamifying it could potentially help unless he finds that condescending.

    My youngest hates being told to brush teeth, but I can ask if she's done everything before bed -avoiding it being a specific request can help.

Children
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