Tips for maintaining your oral health with ADHD

Taking care of your teeth can feel overwhelming. Here are a few ideas for small changes that can make a big difference in improving your oral health.

Create a routine

• Try linking oral hygiene to another habit you already do daily. For example, brush while showering or listening to music.
• Set phone reminders/alarms for morning and night.
• Use a checklist to track and manage your daily routine.

Use helpful tools

Some products can make oral care a little easier and more effective:

• Alternative toothbrushes: electric toothbrushes often come with timers to keep you on track. You could also try triple-headed toothbrushes, for a more efficient brush.
• Floss picks or water flossers: some people find these easier and more convenient than traditional flossing.
• Toothpaste with mild flavours: these can be a good idea if you find mint overwhelming.

Make it fun

Making your oral hygiene more entertaining can be motivating. Why don't you try:

• Brushing to a song (they're usually at least 2 minutes long).
• Using an app that 'gamifies' brushing.
• Rewarding yourself every time you stick to your routine.

Choose healthy snacks

To reduce your risk of cavities, swap sugary snacks for:

• Crunchy vegetables (like carrots or celery).
• Cheese or yoghurt (these can be good for your teeth).
• Nuts (low in sugar and filling).

Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of water helps wash away bacteria and combats dry mouth, especially if you take ADHD medication.

Attend your appointments

If you struggle to remember your dentist appointments, try:

• Booking the next appointment before you leave the dentist.
• Setting calendar reminders in the days leading up to your appointment.
• Asking your dentist for text or email reminders.

Talk to your doctor

If you experience dry mouth or teeth grinding from ADHD medication, let your doctor know. They might help with:

• Alternative medications.
• Mouth rinses to reduce dry mouth.
• Night guards to protect against grinding.

You can also try speaking to your dentist for advice and accommodations if heightened sensitivity makes attending appointments off-putting.

Use positive reinforcement

Many people with ADHD respond well to positive feedback.^[1] Reward yourself (or your child) for consistent oral care with small incentives, like:

• Earning stickers on a chart.
• Treating yourself to a fun activity.
• Getting a new toothbrush in your favorite colour.

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References:

1. Valmiki, M., et al. (2021). Reinforcement and Compensatory Mechanisms in Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review of Case-Control Studies. Cureus.