Need help to get teen to brush her teeth

[justlliloleme]

I have a 16 year old with ADHD - unmediated as she generally copes quite well.

she spends so much time doing her hair & make up but her teeth are disgusting. We’ve just come back from the dentist & she needs a back tooth removing because it can’t be saved. She’s got bad gum disease & they are refusing to treat her on the NHS unless she starts to brush her teeth. She’s got another appointment in 3 months to see if her brushing has improved.

Ive tried everything to get her to look after her teeth & I feel she’s a a real crunch point now & really has to step up.

The more I nag the less chance I have of getting her to do it. We’ve found a flavourless toothpaste & she prefers that but she still won’t brush them. I’m at a real loss now, does anyone have any ideas please?

The dentist needs more understanding. The threat to remove NHS treatment because of DD’s disability is not acceptable. I would request a referral to the special care community dental service.

Has DD tried a non-foaming toothpaste? Some find that more helpful than a flavourless one.

Has she tried manual vs electric toothbrush?

Some people find setting an alarm on their phone helpful. Then it isn’t parents nagging. You could try this in conjunction with a timer.

Thank you for this. Something isn’t sitting right with the way the dentist spoke to her her exact words were ‘ I know you have sensory issues but tough, if you don’t brush you’re going to lose your teeth’. Part of me feels there is a lack of understanding & the other part understands that she needs to shocked into looking after them’. I’m debating whether to contact the dentist about this or not.

I’ll try suggesting the alarm. She has trouble with routines, she forgets her contact lenses everyday & she’s now been given exercises to do for a shoulder injury so she’s got a few things that she needs to do daily & she just can’t seem to do them. We are in the middle of GCSEs too which doesn’t help.

thanks again

I don’t think mid GCSE exams is the time to focus on this. Personally, I would wait until exam season is over.

Our daughter had to stay on the milk teeth toothpaste due to SPD and ARFID. She never had a filling or extraction.

I don’t suppose she could manage sugar free gum?
The musical battery operated toothbrushes are recommended for those with sensory needs.

You can also get silicone finger brushes which may help with desensitisation.

More strategies and ideas in the link below.

https://www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk/media/971598/Meeting-your-childs-sensory-needs-Toothbrushing.pdf