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Decided to finally brush my teeth again today. I’m so embarrassed that I’ve let my dental hygiene get so bad. But I have to start somewhere. Having a squishmallows toothbrush helps too. Not sure if anyone can relate. But if so, we got this. 💪🦷🪥
773 upvotes, 74 comments. Yik Yak image post by Anonymous in Neurodivergent. "Decided to finally brush my teeth again today. I’m so embarrassed that I’ve let my  dental hygiene get so bad. But I have to start somewhere. Having a squishmallows toothbrush helps too. Not sure if anyone can relate. But if so, we got this. 💪🦷🪥"
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Anonymous 1d

can you list the products you got? 🙏🏻 i need to work o my oral hygiene

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Anonymous 1d

I use this toothpaste cause I hate how sharp mint toothpaste is. And the extra fluoride helps with tooth health especially if you struggle with brushing. I get it from Amazon

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Anonymous 1d

Yayy good job!! It's always better to start somewhere than not all!!

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Anonymous 1d

I have neglected my teeth for a long time. Only brushing 1 every month or two and then I was too old to go to the kids dentist so I went years without a dentist and when I finally saw one they said I had 20 some cavities and now I have brushed once almost every day. I just need to start doing it in the morning too.

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Anonymous 1d

I feel ya I didn’t brush my teeth for over 3 years (and before that wasn’t great either) but thankfully my dentist was really great and now I’m getting back on track. Just remember that your routine doesn’t have to be perfect and any amount of brushes and energy towards it (even if it’s just a quick few seconds) is better than none at all. Wishing you well on your journey.

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Anonymous 1d

I’ve been struggling with this for so long but no one around me understands this issue and I don’t feel like I can talk to a lot of people about this. One of the things I struggle with is finding a good toothpaste that doesn’t have a horrible mint flavor. Gonna have to try some of the recommendations in the comments

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Anonymous 1d

I am so bad with my oral hygiene, I have been since I was a kid I got pretty good about it for a while but I I’ve kinda lost it again. I’ve been bad about it since I was a kid and I think it kinda evolved into a form of self harm for me tbh

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Anonymous 1d

I’m so sad this is gonna get lost in the comments of these amazing folks because this changed my life. My gf got me a wall mounted toothpaste dispenser/ toothbrush holder for our mirror and it’s literally changed my life so much omg I brush so much more often

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Anonymous 1d

I honestly bought these for my dog. Welp now… I USE them for myself 😆😆

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Anonymous 1d

If you have a hard time with toothpaste I highly recommend mixing a regular one with this chocolate flavored one, or another kids paste that tastes good. It makes it much easier.

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Anonymous 1d

Honestly, I’ve had this same issue, something that helped me is buying things from dollar tree/dollar section, so then I don’t feel bound to a product I hate due to it being expensive. I also find an electric toothbrush that’s rechargeable and has a rotating head (not just vibration) makes it a lot easier on the amount of effort I need to put in, on lazy days I just floss with the floss picks and rinse with mouthwash or just water. Good luck to others struggling and hope this helps

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Anonymous 1d

i can cery much understand this, youre valid and im proud of you for brushing your teeth!! i can relate because i have been in an autistic burnout for almost 3 years now, and teeth brushing has become a very draining task for me, i’m even more scared because i have had braces over a year now (for jaw surgery) but im very scared that i have decalcification because i havent been brushing well, and my orthodontist said theres absolutely nothing that can correct decalcification

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Anonymous 1d

Hello! Neurodivergent gal here. Out of curiosity because I genuinely want to know, what are some reasons why it is hard to brush teeth? I’ve struggled with just having the energy to do it, but is it the feeling of brushing? Toothpaste taste? Something else? Not trying to be mean. Please don’t take it that way ❤️

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Anonymous 1d

awesome!! i know the feeling. a few years back when i struggled to brush daily i moved my toothbrush and toothpaste to the shower in order to just do it whenever i showered and that helped ! i have pretty good hygiene now (brush and floss twice a day or at least once) and would like to mention that it may be discouraging to floss and do extra steps at first besides brushing because it will definitely hurt or be uncomfortable. definitely pace yourself with the rest. you got this :)

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Anonymous 1d

I CANNOT handle mint (genuinely could be an allergy), so I struggled a lot as a kid. HiSmile brand helped me restart and form a routine. They have so many flavors, I’m currently on chupachup cola.

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Anonymous 1d

this gives me hope and reassurance it’s okay that I’m starting where I am right now. I also let it get so bad but finally starting to take care of it more

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Anonymous 1d

If anyone likes electric toothbrushes highly recommend a self timing one or the little 2 minute plastic hour glasses.

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Anonymous 1d

For me it’s hard when I don’t have things I need to do in a day. Because I kind of brush my teeth right before school/work but when I don’t have those or another engagement sometimes the morning brush just doesn’t happen.

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Anonymous 1d

Yes I can relate!! I’m not bad with shower hygiene but it takes a lot for me to be doing well dentally. But when my roomie raved about how nice it is to “wash off the day” when she gets home/before bed, it got me in a more consistent shower routine, and I’d do some kind of dental care before shower. Sometimes this just means hydrofloss, sometimes it means whole thing. I also recommend hydrofloss 10000000%

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Anonymous 1d

Also if anyone in here needs to hear this: Brushing once every few days is miles ahead of not doing it at all. If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing badly. Perfection is the thief of action.

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Anonymous 23h

I was homeless when I was a teen when I ran away for year in half in still sorta dealing with that today with the aftermath of cavities here and there so I understand. Don’t let anybody judge you.

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Anonymous 21h

My teeth are my biggest insecurity and me being ashamed of my oral health has only caused it to get worse over the years. Great job taking a step in taking care of yourself. Sometimes it is incredibly difficult.

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Anonymous 1d

Yes, same. No brushing for days.

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Anonymous 1d

so so proud of you!! i can definitely relate

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Anonymous 1d

- Eating crunchy, raw vegetables like carrots and celery. - Eating leafy greens like spinach, arugula and beets.

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Anonymous 1d

Flossing is just as important. I like coco floss and I’d recommend keeping some on your nightstand or desk, wherever you might have a chill moment.

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Anonymous 1d

I love all yall fr I feel so seen

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Anonymous 22h

What’s the big grey thing? Lowk gonna try and make it cute and fun for me too…

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Anonymous 21h

haven’t been to dentist since i turned 18 (21 tmw!) bc i don’t wanna have to figure out a dentist for adults who takes my insurance and call and set it up and then go and be judged for not going for so long and i know this whole thing would take 15 minutes if i did it but ive put it off for 3 years luckily i manage to brush once a day but its still not good

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Anonymous 1d
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Anonymous 1d

Relate so hard

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Anonymous 21h

There were points in my life where my depression really got bad and I didn’t take care of my teeth. At one point I had 4 cavities at once. I was so embarrassed. So I kept making sure to floss and brush everyday. Idk the threat of gum disease scared me. Also my dentist told me that the reason old people get dentures is because they didn’t take care of their teeth well enough, and I don’t want dentures when I’m older lol. Good luck!

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Anonymous 1d

Plant based W I’ve only had 1 cavity and that was as a little kid, it just fell out.

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Anonymous 19h

I get a new toothbrush every couple of months with a new theme. It makes me excited to brush. (Either new toothbrush or new toothpaste) I feel bad about the waste but it gets me to brush and for now that’s the priority

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Anonymous 18h

Hey i get it, it helps to have actual products u like cuz i stopped using mouthwash cuz i hated the normal flavor

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Anonymous 1d

As someone who prefers no fluoride, invest in a toothbrush with a healthier alternative such as Nano-hydroxyapatite. It rebuilds the enamel without the harmful effects of fluoride on the Pineal gland. “Boca” is a good entry level brand to start with.

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Anonymous 1d

guys tooth decay is a real thing lmao 😭

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Anonymous 1d

yall are lowkey disgusting its not hard to brush your teeth almost every night at LEAST once a day

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Anonymous replying to -> #1 1d

So the toothbrush & cover are both Squishmallows. I use Sensodyne toothpaste (it’s important to use a toothpaste made for people with gingivitis/gum disease, which happens when you don’t brush). The pink tongue scraper is just from the drugstore. The device in the middle is a water flosser. You can find these on Amazon from all different brands. The red thing is the Optic White whitening pen from Colgate, which I am not using much of yet because my gums are inflamed.

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Anonymous replying to -> OP 1d

I also use this mouthwash and regular flossing picks, also from the drug store. The water flosser is a lot easier sensory wise. But the manual picks are needed to get all the gunk out right now. I’m hoping at some point I can switch to just the water one though.

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Anonymous replying to -> OP 1d

Floss picks look like this btw. I prefer them over regular floss but they do the same thing. You can find all different brands.

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Anonymous replying to -> #2 1d

I use a prescribed version of this in bubble gum! Definitely helps with maintaining my fillings!

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Anonymous replying to -> OP 1d

I realized I forgot to post the mouthwash lol

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Anonymous replying to -> #4 1d

Idk who is downvoting my comment, but fluoride is useful in aiding dental hygiene but it does have lasting detrimental effects on brain health and function as well. Using something like Nano-hydroxyapatite that is similar to fluoride without the calcification of your pineal gland will be very sustainable in the long run. Where I currently live, there are already high levels of fluoride in my drinking water. More than enough needed for dental hygiene excluding my daily toothpaste.

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Anonymous replying to -> #6 1d

Trust, we know. This isn’t a thing we CHOOSE to struggle with

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Anonymous replying to -> #4 1d

The data on calcification of the pineal gland comes from animal studies and there’s not data in humans yet, to my knowledge. However, people should use whatever they’re comfortable with and if that’s nano-hydroxyapatite then by all means they should go for it. I personally am definitely open to trying it. Brushed is better than not brushed. 💖

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Anonymous replying to -> OP 1d

There’s dozens if not hundreds of studies and articles on the calcification of the Pineal gland in humans all over the internet. I do agree with brushed over not brushed. I struggled for many, many years with not taking care of my health and mental wellbeing. It takes one simple step like brushing your teeth to kickstart a better tomorrow.

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Anonymous replying to -> #12 1d

I just have them by my bed. Something is better than nothing. They have different flavors

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Anonymous replying to -> #4 1d

The effects on the brain are only (for adults) if you consume over 10mg a DAY. tap water contains about 0.7mg/Liter. If you use it as recommended you’ll be totally fine and your teeth will thank you

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Anonymous replying to -> #14 1d

Fluoride absolutely does not only effect adults. Even then; .7mg/Liter everyday, multiple times a day, hundreds of times a year, millions of times in your lifetime. Showers, baths, toothpaste, drinking tap water. But, yes of course if used as “recommended” you’ll be “totally fine.”

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Anonymous replying to -> #15 1d

You not suffering this symptom (because trust me, it’s a wide spread symptom of neurodivergence) doesn’t justify being rude. I’m glad your brain functions properly in this way. Be thankful, not hateful.

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Anonymous replying to -> #15 1d

I feel you should leave this group if that’s your view, depression and low energy go hand in hand with neurodivergency, along with sensory issues out the ass, so this is a real issue that should be more honestly discussed in the community

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Anonymous replying to -> #15 1d

As someone who actively struggles with brushing my teeth due to a neurological issue, I have to physically fight my body just to do it. I consider myself lucky if I can even do it twice a week. Please find a bit of empathy within yourself because you don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes that can cause us to not be able to practice basic hygiene.

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Anonymous replying to -> #4 1d

thank you for commenting this!! i’ve been looking for a fluoride free toothpaste that actually works and i’m gonna try out boka’s whitening toothpaste! i have hashimotos, and fluoride is very bad for people who have thyroid diseases, which makes finding good toothpaste even more of a pain

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Anonymous replying to -> #21 1d

What do you mean by it fell out?

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Anonymous replying to -> #12 1d

It was a baby tooth. So it got wiggly and fell out.

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Anonymous replying to -> #21 1d

Got it!

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Anonymous replying to -> #9 1d

genuinely best advice i ever got was to buy kids watermelon flavored toothpaste if you hate toothpaste flavor. the mint is awful in most. i’ve transitioned to colgate optic white which is the only mint i enjoy and the texture is kind of crunchy so i like to bite while brushing. makes it fun

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Anonymous replying to -> #20 1d

I can’t speak for anyone else, but for me I hate the sensations of floss and a normal toothbrush. Having hydrofloss and electric toothbrush have helped so much. Also, the toothpaste can be so potent, so finding the right one is necessary. After that, it comes down to: forming routines is a LOT of effort for me.

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Anonymous replying to -> #21 1d

Ohhhh felt this

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Anonymous replying to -> #20 1d

For me, what caused it was some childhood trauma related to the dentist

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Anonymous replying to -> OP 22h

Be careful bc it’s fluoride free, I used this for a while- the hello brand ones have fluoride!

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Anonymous replying to -> #4 21h

DA here: I belive this person was saying that .7mg/ L is the limit where there is not going to be any potential effect on your (adult) brain. The limit is slightly lower for young children. The effect on adult brain function is not scientifically backed, and because we spit our toothpaste and don’t swallow it (just how we don’t swallow bath water) it is just the fluoridated water actually entering your system and USA water (based on our PPM standards) brings you nowhere near that limit.

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Anonymous replying to -> #20 19h

For me it’s a combination of sensory things (all the ones you mention apply, and also for bleeding from my gums being inflamed also makes me squeamish) and severe depression. I’ve been in the hospital 5ish times in the last two years and have been neglecting my whole body. Fortunately I’m doing better now. I feel like this can happen to literally anyone. You never expect to it to be you. I definitely was like, how did something so simple become so so hard for me.

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Anonymous replying to -> #31 19h

I went to the dentist two months ago for the first time as an adult (stopped going at 18, I’m 23) and they were just happy I was there now. No judgement. No negative comments. I hope you can find something similar <3

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Anonymous replying to -> #28 19h

Yea! I def don’t use it on its own. (I mixed it with a pea size amount of fluoride toothpaste). Definitely need to point this out for folks though so they don’t just buy this one.

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Anonymous replying to -> #12 19h

This is very clever actually!!!!

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Anonymous replying to -> #28 19h

It’s a water flosser!

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Anonymous replying to -> #15 19h

Your disgust means nothing to me. I am doing my best and am proud of everyone here who is brave enough to admit that they are struggling too. The comments here are only fuel for me to keep going and I hope others feel motivated too.

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Anonymous replying to -> #15 19h

People struggle so hard with mental health that they kill themselves but sure yeah brushing your teeth is easy…

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Anonymous replying to -> #4 19h

What #32 said. Also I was saying “(for adults)” because that’s the limit for adults. For young children/those under the age of 9 the recommended limit is lower, but that 10mg a day means you can have 10mg of fluoride every single day and still be fine. To consume that much fluoride with drinking water would require you drink more likely to kill you from water toxicity. Also w/ bathing the amount of fluoride is so diluted it should not affect you. Dentists are not secretly out to get you. Promise

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Anonymous replying to -> OP 18h

I also prefer floss picks, but I had to find ones that aren’t flavored because the mint is too strong for me

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Anonymous replying to -> #31 17h

Also happy early birthday!! If you plan on drinking I highly recommend either a hard seltzer, cider, or a cocktail. Don’t let people convince you to have a strong drink for your first

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Anonymous replying to -> #31 10h

Congrats on your 21st! And most of the time, dentists are just happy to see you walk in the door, they love new faces! And when you get started on drinking, make sure to drink plenty of water while doing so!

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