Having ADHD, ASD, depression, or any other number of mental disorders can make keeping your teeth clean and healthy more difficult. Perhaps staying consistent is challenging, or visiting the dentist is overwhelming. Studies have shown that neurodivergent adults often have poorer oral health than the average adults.
Oral health is incredibly important and can affect all aspects of your health. Learning how to care for your teeth is a unique journey, one that must take in preferences and pre-existing habits. Here are some suggestions to help you keep on track for the best oral health possible.
1. Integrate oral care with pre-existing habits
If you do not have a consistent time to brush your teeth or floss, then it might not be happening twice a day. Instead of trying to carve out a new habit and time in your daily routine, it may work to attach your oral care to a habit that you already have.
For example, if you shower at the same time every morning, put your toothbrush in the shower and do both at the same time. If you eat dinner around the same time every night, you can brush your teeth right after dinner, instead of waiting before you go to bed. If you do have a good nighttime routine, you can add flossing or mouthwash to the routine instead of creating a new one.
2. Utilize sedation dentistry
Going to the dentist can cause sensory overload and turn into a pretty uncomfortable experience for those who have sensory processing disorders or anxiety. This can cause neurodivergent people to avoid the dentist. Routine dental appointments allow dentists to:
- Prevent and treat cavities
- Catch oral health issues early
- Keep your teeth white
- And clean difficult-to-reach areas
Without these appointments, your dental health can deteriorate. If visiting the dentist is hard for you, you can visit a dentist like James Martin, DMD, who offers sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry includes nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, and IV sedation. You can pick which kind of sedation you need for your anxiety levels.
3. Communicate with your dentist before and during
When you or your caregiver calls to make an appointment, you can make requests such as dimmer lights, no music in your room, noise-canceling headphones, and describe any other needs you may have. The dentist and the hygienists can make a note to give you those accommodations at your checkup and every following visit.
The accommodations are there for patients like YOU, so we encourage you to ask for them.
Once you get to your appointment, remind your dentist of any needs you may have, and continue to communicate with them if you need a break or if something is bothering you. We will do our best to make adjustments as necessary.
4. Remember, some oral care is better than no oral care
Sometimes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, and using mouthwash is a really hard ask. In that case, it is important to remember that brushing once, even if it is in the middle of the day or late at night, is better than not brushing at all. Celebrate the progress towards your oral health goals!
Your dentists will work with you and accept where your oral health level is, even if you may not yet have perfect oral health habits.
Visit Our Office for a Calming Visit
If you are looking for a doctor who will meet your needs and has an environment that is accommodating and relaxing, James Martin, DMD, in Lafayette, CO, has that and more. We welcome those who need special accommodations.
Your initial consultation with us will be long and thorough, and during that appointment, you can detail any accommodations you might need, as well as get to know Dr. Martin. He is friendly and excited to get to know you.
We also offer sedation dentistry that can help you feel relaxed and safe in the dental chair.
Call us today to learn more about your oral health or to schedule an appointment.
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