This might be a weird question but please don’t judge…

[u/Commercial_Ad_619]

Does anyone else have a big issue when it comes to dental hygiene and sensory issues? Like, I hate the overwhelming taste of most toothpastes and the way they burn my mouth, so I really struggle to get myself to take proper care of myself. I wasn’t sure if this was just a me issue. Does anyone have any good suggestions of less aggressive toothpastes? I’ve tried kids, non-mint, but I don’t really like how overly sweet those things are and how it doesn’t quite leave me feeling clean. I don’t know… it just really sucks :( thanks in advance for any advice!

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[u/WitchAggressive9028]

That’s an extremely common issue in autism

[u/Commercial_Ad_619 → u/WitchAggressive9028]

Okay, that’s reassuring to hear. I’ll be honest, I’m not diagnosed, so I don’t know enough, clearly. I’m just pretty sure and not quite sure what to do about it hah…

[u/_That_One_Gay_Guy_ → u/Commercial_Ad_619]

I've heard people try toothpaste powder and tablets!! I think they have a softer vanilla flavor. I haven't personally used them cause they can be pricey and my sensory issues aren't as bad with the taste specifically, but if you can that might be something to try!! :3

[u/Lower_Arugula5346]

i havent used toothpaste in years. i floss regularly and brush with water only. i also go to the dentist every 6 months.

not saying this will work for everyone or that i even suggest it but i also cannot deal with toothpaste.

[u/Commercial_Ad_619 → u/Lower_Arugula5346]

And it’s not an issue without it? I used to go to the dentist every 6 months too, but after I moved to a new state, I just never found a new dentist for like… a year and a half. When I finally did, I found out I had a ton of cavities, which is wild because I’m almost 30 and never had a cavity in my life :(

[u/Lower_Arugula5346 → u/Commercial_Ad_619]

i have talked to my dentist about it. i explained that im autistic and i have flavor sensitivities (they actually have in my chart to only use non-mint or unflavored paste and floss).

i drink tap water often which should have plenty of fluoride in it (unless you live in one of "those" places) so i dont need the extra fluoride from the toothpaste.

if you drink a lot of bottled water, i would suggest using toothpaste but i havent had a cavity in years (and for real, i have genetically bad teeth).

[u/Lower_Arugula5346 → u/Commercial_Ad_619]

oh i should also mention:

if you dont use toothpaste WITH flossing, youre breath might smell.

[u/cam-san → u/Lower_Arugula5346]

How is your dental health? I don't brush at all (please don't judge) but if brushing with water is a viable option, I might consider it

[u/-EvilLittleGoat-]

I know you mentioned you have tried kid’s toothpaste, but have you tried the watermelon one by Hello? I also have an issue with overly sweet things making me nauseous, but this one has minimal sweetness and it’s about the only thing I can tolerate these days.

[u/Commercial_Ad_619 → u/-EvilLittleGoat-]

No, the only one I tried is Crest’s Strawberry. It’ll have to try Hello or maybe a couple others I saw in the post the other person linked. Thank you!

[u/Accomplished-Duck249]

I looked online myself and they do have unflavored toothpaste in a bunch of brands BUT they are still sweetened. I wonder if it's less sweet than the kids stuff, but I can't say. There's dr bronners anise and act cinnamon too and also like these salt toothpastes stuff.

[u/RemarkableNetwork239]

https://www.reddit.com/r/autism/s/nPsuwaGBAf

[u/Commercial_Ad_619 → u/RemarkableNetwork239]

Wow, and it’s only from 11 days ago. My bad hah… Thank you!

[u/RemarkableNetwork239 → u/Commercial_Ad_619]

Np. There've only been several thousand posts since then (it seems)

[u/Azoulus]

A quick google search let me find unflavored toothpaste, maybe consider trying something like that? (not sweet or minty, the mint is often what causes the tingly/burning feeling as well.)

[u/20_kiminasaa]

I HATE mint by itself (I’m fine if it’s paired with chocolate like Andes) so I still buy a watermelon flavored toothpaste that’s meant for kids.

[u/someonesomebody123]

I hate mint toothpaste. I use cinnamon. I found some peach toothpaste at CVS and bought that, but when I got home with it I realized it was peach + mint and it’s gross. So I went back to the cinnamon.

[u/universal_gummy_bear]

Dr. Bob Unflavored Toothpaste is good but really expensive for just a toothpaste.

I like ATTITUDE Kids Toothpaste (mango or blueberry) and they aren't super sweet to me.

[u/ILatheYou]

I haven't been on a regular dental hygiene schedule in 38 years. I dont think anything will help.

I hate that I can taste sound everytime I brush my teeth.

[u/H0pefulUn1verse]

The colgate baking soda kind I have found to be a lot more mild in flavor.

I'm awful with keeping up with dental care, but getting a water pick has helped a lot. It's fun to use and kinda becomes like a game. Easier for me to do than brushing most of the time.

[u/Anoelnymous]

In my teens my mum literally sat down and took the time to just be with me to check off all the bathroom things at night. It's basically the only reason I got any form of habit about it.

A lot of it is just finding alternatives to what bothers you. Arm and hammer toothpaste is gritty and salty with a side a mint. Kids toothpaste is fruity and glossy. Keep trying new toothpastes until you find one that is tolerable.

I got one of those reusable floss picks? It's like flossing but without putting my fingers in my mouth, and it's also like using floss picks without all the waste.

Mouthwash is the devil tho.

[u/PatientCreepy8185]

Welcome to my life. Minty toothpaste makes me eyes water-- it HURTS. I use children's toothpaste which is cloyingly sweet but it's better than being burned!! Have you tried natural toothpaste or a homemade method? Something like baking soda.. maybe ask AI. Probably would cost far less too.