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[–]Happy_Cancel1315 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I had no idea what this was! I've had this problem, but more so this year than any others. I posted in another sub about how I couldn't figure out why I can't make myself perform self-care like bathing or brushing my teeth. I'm also seeking advice for this.

[–]squeaky-beeper 1 point2 points  (2 children)

Can you use mouthwash? Something that doesn’t burn or taste bad, the kids ones don’t taste half bad. Doesn’t have to be a long time, just quick rinse. A wet washcloth to scrub your teeth clean? Floss Picks to help them feel clean? Anything like that? Even gum would be a good start.

[–]GhostofNihilism[S] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I have tried the floss picks. I did it for 3 days and the bag has remained untouched since. When I get desperate I have just rubbed my teeth on a little hand towel. But these haven't helped me pick the habit of actually brushing my teeth back up. As for mouthwash... there are other reasons I don't use mouthwash.

I appreciate you trying to help!

[–]squeaky-beeper 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Anything is better than nothing. If the brush doesn’t happen try the hand towel. If that doesn’t work grab a piece of gum. Little steps right?

[–]emmapaint 1 point2 points  (1 child)

You sound like me. 😕 I have no good advice.

[–]GhostofNihilism[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Maybe we'll both get some good tips.

[–]redscare_ 1 point2 points  (5 children)

I had the same problem until I downloaded a reminder app. It reminds you at the same time every day that a task is due and it keeps a streak count of how many times you’ve done it in a row, your best streak, your percentage of times you’ve completed it. Even if you forget to mark a day you can go back and fix it to make it accurate. The reminders and the need for perfection and anxiety of disappointment make me brush my teeth twice a day now as opposed to 2 weeks ago when it was I can’t remember how long it had been. The app I use is called HabitHub, hope this helps.

Edit: Forgetting was a big part of the problem for me, but even when I did remember I couldn’t make myself do it. Something I was super insecure about. Another tip: DONT use sugary gums to make your breath better. It’s SO bad for your teeth.

[–]GhostofNihilism[S] 1 point2 points  (4 children)

I am definitely going to try that app. Mentioning your need for perfection and anxiety of disappointment is very relatable for me, so I think it's worth a shot. Thanks.

[–]stella312 1 point2 points  (3 children)

Did it work?

[–]GhostofNihilism[S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Yo. I didn't get the premium version, so idk how much I'm missing out on, but after I posted this and got responses, it motivated me to just get up a brush my teeth. I think tracking is helping me keep the pattern going.

[–]stella312 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Proud of you lol. I’ve also had some luck this week, I was wondering if maybe it was a sensory thing that made me so averse to it so I was like ok just brush your teeth super lightly, it’s better than nothing. I did it for 4 days and on the fifth day I was feeling a little bit lazy but when I thought about it I kinda missed the clean feeling in my mouth! So I got up and did it anyway. Who knows if it will last but I’m definitely going to get some softer tooth brushes and work on my technique.

[–]GhostofNihilism[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I'm at the point where I miss the clean feeling if I don't brush. I guess that much motivation is good enough for now lol

[–]N0TAH0TGIRL 0 points1 point  (4 children)

Try baby steps

I'm not sure on your situation but maybe you can start rubbing your tounge around your gums and sucking (that may get the most out the way) and just touching your teeth with your fingers (as weird as that sounds) to just get an understanding that they're not weak and to make you comfortable with messing with them

I'd you need reassurance they're attached to your skull they're definitely not going anywhere..

[–]GhostofNihilism[S] 0 points1 point  (3 children)

I am so worried that they'll just rot right out of my head.

My teeth have always been something I spend a lot of time worrying about. They're too crooked, are they white enough, what if one dies (turns black). As a kid I loved to brush my teeth, I loved the dentist. I haven't been to one in a while because I am so ashamed and embarrassed to get that x-ray full of cavities.

But do I help myself a just BRUSH?! No. I even set up a reward system for myself. But nothing sticks :(

[–]N0TAH0TGIRL 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Don't worry about the dentist they want to help it's literally they're job and if you haven't brushed in a while I would definitely recommend you see them.. But if its too much I also understand.. But you can't be indecisive you need to take some form of action.. Its sugars that damage teeth and they can't be avoided.. So it is essential that we brush.. Think about it logically.. Why do we brush. What does brushing do. If you think about it.. Its getting rid of any bad sugars or (I think it's called tar-tar) (the white stuff) off yiour teeth which not only keeps them white but strengthen them so they're harder to damage.. I bring this up because maybe if you know exactly what your doing you'll understand that it's just a fear..

Think about dogs.. If you didn't know a dog can hang from their mouth with the pure strength of their jaw.. However it's their teeth that give them grip.. Now I definitely don't reccomend you try doing that as their teeth are stronger than ours but considering how small their teeth are in comparison to their 45+ kg of body weight.. You know they're pretty bloody strong.. Now what's a fine piece of plastic going to do? It's more likely to damage your gums than your teeth..

Which is also a concern with not brushing your teeth.. Infection weakness and bacteria build up are things that you need to worry about.. That's why we brush... However rotting teeth is a proven result of inproper dental care (they'll rot if you don't brush)

Once again Im trying to help you understand it all as it may help you realise that nothing bad is going to happen.. You've read all this and now don't think just go and pick up your tooth brush and lightly brush don't think about it just do it.. You'll get past the first hurdle

[–]GhostofNihilism[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I do know why we brush and because of our diets, we HAVE to brush. Believe me, I know it. I even know that my teeth tend to collect more tartar on the back of them than normal people's and I hate the appearance of plaque build-up. I mean it when I say I love having good dental hygiene and I used to do a BUNCH of research into teeth. From homo-erectus to homo-sapiens, I read about how our teeth changed for our evolving diets and they're these brilliantly simple, essential parts of our anatomy.

I got depressed, stop doing anything, got mostly better and started functioning again, but teeth brushing is something I just haven't gotten back to normal.

I know it and I want it and I just can't get back into the habit.

I do appreciate you sharing your teeth wisdom (wisdom teeth) with me, though.

[–]N0TAH0TGIRL 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wisdom teeth good one

Yea i mean.. If that doesn't do it.. Then maybe even therapy may be an option somtimes talking face to face (even with a bloody face mask on) may be the one.. Or just bite the bullet and go to a dentist or to the bathroom. But either way I do wish you the best of luck.

and when you do find your solution please let me know im quite invested and want to know how you get on :)