Executive function – or the ability to effectively plan, focus or organize thoughts and tasks – can be a struggle for those affected by autism, ADHD or other neurodivergence. For some, maintaining a consistent oral health routine can feel completely out of reach.  

While we’ve offered dozens of helpful tips for keeping your smile bright over the years, it’s not always as simple as telling someone to brush twice a day, especially if they’re struggling in other areas of their lives.  

That’s why we’ve put together this list of helpful and accessible oral health tips for those who might be struggling with mental health or neurodivergence:

1. Put your toothbrush in the shower

Hey, you’re in there anyway, right? Might as well brush at the same time. Combining both tasks can help keep you on-track to bright teeth, all while you’re conditioning your hair.  

2. Keep floss in your purse/backpack/car

Like our toothbrush tip, it’s easier to keep up on your flossing if you remove any obstacles that might stand in your way. Having easy access to floss whenever you remember or when it’s convenient may just be the motivator you need to start – and stick to – your own routine.  

3. Try a habit tracker

If you tend to lose track of time or forget routine tasks, a habit tracker might be a solution for you. There are any number of smartphone apps available to help incentivize your habit “streak,” or you could go the analog route and use a calendar on your fridge or in a notebook. Some studies show that a habit can be formed in around 10 weeks, so once you hit that goal it may even become second nature for you!

4. Choose a toothbrushing theme song

The ideal length to brush your teeth is around two minutes, or 30 seconds for each quadrant of your mouth. To help hit the timing target – and just to make brushing more fun – why not pick a designated theme song so you can dance while you brush (at exactly two minutes long, one of our go-to recommendation is Fell in Love with a Girl by The White Stripes)?

5. Habit stacking  

Pair oral care with a habit that you have already established in your daily routine. Brush after every time you put your dishes in the dishwasher. Brush after you get dressed in the morning. Brush while you are watching tv. This method can help to reinforce a new habit by stacking it with an old standby.

6. Remember that every little bit counts

Oral health isn’t a zero-sum game – every time you brush, floss or use mouthwash it helps to keep your teeth and gums healthier. If you forget, or are otherwise unable, to brush one evening, try not to beat yourself up. You’re better off starting fresh the next morning than getting weighed down by guilt.  

7. Don’t forget about the dentist

Depending on your own personal struggles, it can be hard to make it to regular appointments. But remember, we’re not here to judge you – we just want to help you find ways to make taking care of your teeth a breeze. Scheduling your next checkup is easy, just use the orange Book Online button and we’ll help take care of the rest.  

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