Trouble brushing teeth

[4789288]

How can I make myself brush my teeth? I am terrified of germs and I need to brush my teeth but I am scared please help me not be scared!

[Nothing_but_books]

What is it about brushing your teeth that frightens you?

[4789288 in reply to Nothing_but_books]

getting germs in my mouth

[Nothing_but_books in reply to 4789288]

The point of brushing your teeth is to get food and the germs that feed on it away from your teeth. Does that help? Or what am I missing?

[4789288 in reply to Nothing_but_books]

I worry about my tooth brush getting dirty

[Nothing_but_books in reply to 4789288]

Good point! As soon as the bristles spread out a bit you should throw it out and use a new one. I think it's supposed to be replaced every 3 months.

Use a toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, and dental floss.

Ask your dentist if you should be using mouthwash, and what kind is recommended.

Rinse out your toothbrush and let it air dry. Don't share it.

mouthhealthy.org/all-topics...

[4789288 in reply to Nothing_but_books]

It's hard because I throw away a ton of tooth brushes in a few days because of fear of germs i don't know how to get this under control

[SCC1 in reply to 4789288]

Hi. Are you on any medication for OCD and is your OCD mainly focused on germs? Really, any type of OCD is better controlled with meds and/or therapy.

I understand that it is scary to go through what you are, but try not to panic. It is a circle we go through, when 1 fear leads into a compulsion and then does it again.

I would say to brush your teeth with one toothbrush and don't throw it away. Brush your teeth the next time with the same brush. Try not to do the compulsion of getting rid of it. If it takes a couple of tries to do this, that's okay. The more you do it the easier it will become. And you will find that you are okay even using the same toothbrush.

A toothbrush doesn't become that germy for quite awhile, as Nothing_but_books has said, even with frequent brushing. You can even brush 2x a day and still be okay. But, do what you feel comfortable with at first, then gradually increase the time (days, months) that you use your brush without throwing it away.

[4789288 in reply to SCC1]

No I am not on meds I haven't officially been diagnosed but i know i have it

[Nothing_but_books in reply to 4789288]

Try this and see if it makes it easier to keep your toothbrush. Get Listerine original, the amber colored stuff. Pour some in a glass, and after you brush and rinse out your toothbrush, put the bristles into the mouthwash.

I hope that helps.

[eggwitchellie in reply to Nothing_but_books]

agree. make sure its bacteria killing and will allow you to keep using the same toothbrush. you could also rinse your mouth out too afterwards if you're worried

[Downinil]

Hi, 4789288! I understand the your dilemma regarding brushing your teeth. I have the same thoughts but what I do is use hydrogen peroxide to disinfect my toothbrush then brush my teeth.

[TomFed]

Look, do you have other OCD themes that bothers your mind or is the germs on the toothbrush scare the only topic? When did the fear/intrusive thoughts start? You can use Y-BOCS test to assess your OCD symptomatology, but truly my advice is to go for a session with ERP trained therapist online or offline who could assess your symptoms and draft the treatment plan. ERP is golden standard for treating OCD that depending on the case can be coupled with meds and other tools for healing. What Downinil and Nothing_but_books suggested you to do is doing more compulsive / safety behaviors to get a temporary relief from your anxiety. Their intentions might be to help you, but this is not how one could break from the OCD cycle. The point of behavioural treatment for OCD is about stopping compulsions and safety behaviours. With time and effort to eradicate all OCD related compulsions, your brain due to its neuro plasticity starts rewiring and reacting differently both to the obsessional fears and intrusive thoughts that always come with them. OCD is a very treatable disorder in many cases, but you have to get the right help.

[Sallyskins]

There are germs in your mouth anyway, and in your entire digestive tract - they're supposed to be there. The digestive tract couldn't function without them. They help to digest food and they keep you healthy.

The point of brushing your teeth is to keep them relatively clear of bacteria and keep your gums healthy. The bacteria feed on sugar and leave acid behind, which corrodes the enamel on your teeth. Gums also need a clean - healthy gums for healthy teeth.

Brushing twice a day is enough. Don't brush just after eating - leave it for at least an hour. Better to brush before breakfast than after.

Don't have spare toothbrushes in your house. Just have the one and rinse it out after use. No need to disinfect, though as another contributor has said, you can always dip it in mouthwash. Only buy yourself a new one when the old one needs replacing - after around three months. A little longer won't harm. Then the temptation to open another toothbrush won't be there.

Our bodies are usually pretty good at dealing with germs. They need germs to function - there are good bacteria as well as bad. And our immune systems need to be kept active.

It takes a little getting used to - going against the OCD and using the same toothbrush that you used the day before, and the day before that - and it's going to make you feel quite uncomfortable. But bear with it. The feelings of discomfort do subside.

Medication can help with OCD, and it might be worth asking your doctor, but it's CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy) and ERP (exposure response prevention) that really do the work in defeating the OCD. A professional therapist (one that uses CBT techniques) or a self help book (again one that uses CBT techniques) can help you.