ADHD and oral health: A connection you might not know

Oral health requires a relatively strict amount of routine and consistency. Keeping up with brushing, flossing, as well as scheduling dental checkups all require planning and follow-through, things that are often difficult for people with ADHD.^[4] Studies also show that children with ADHD tend to forget to brush and floss more often, leading to higher plaque buildup and more cavities.^[1]

For adults with ADHD, you need to take full responsibility for your own dental care. This means that dental routines may be inconsistent, and checkups less frequent. Studies suggest that people with ADHD are more likely to miss checkups and require emergency dentist visits.^[3]

One common symptom of people with ADHD experience is making quick, impulsive decisions, which is thought to lead to making more unhealthy food choices.^[4][5] Studies also suggest that people with ADHD are more likely to consume higher amounts of sugary snacks and drinks than people without ADHD.^[6] These factors then have an impact on oral health, increasing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and toothy decay.^[2]

For those with primarily hyperactive ADHD, sitting still long enough to brush for two minutes can be difficult. You might be more likely to fidget, move between tasks and forget, or rush through your oral routine. This can mean you're not brushing properly, or even skipping important steps (like flossing).

Certain medications used to manage ADHD can cause dry mouth. Saliva plays an important role in protecting teeth from decay and gum disease, so consistently having a dry mouth could increase your risk of oral health issues.^[3]

ADHD can affect memory, organisation, and planning, which can make it harder to do key things involved in oral care like:

• Remembering to brush and floss regularly.
• Booking and attending dental appointments on time.
• Replacing your toothbrush or buying toothpaste before running out.

Because dental health requires consistent care, these executive function difficulties can lead to longer gaps between dental checkups and neglected oral hygiene.

People with ADHD are more likely to experience sensory processing differences, which can make brushing and flossing uncomfortable or overwhelming.^[3] This might be:

• Strong flavors in toothpaste causing irritation.
• The feeling of bristles being unpleasant.
• Discomfort with flossing due to gum sensitivity.

These difficulties can lead to people avoiding brushing their teeth and feeling more anxiety around dental appointments, which makes it harder to maintain good oral hygiene.