Autism

It's really a lot of trial and error to find a toothbrush and toothpaste that you can tolerate. I recently had to swap toothbrushes because the product I had been using for years was redesigned, and the new version was difficult for me to use. Likewise with toothpaste I had to go through a few options before I found one I was happy with.

And brushing with water is better than not at all! 👍️

As for how clean the bristles are, make sure you toothbrush can dry out properly after brushing. I always rinse mine before and after, and monitor for any mould at the base of the bristles. Generally it's recommended to replace your toothbrush every 3 months regardless of its condition.

I sometimes use a small sip of Listerene and brush my teeth with that. I like the "sanitizing" feeling it leaves my mouth. I do like the cooling feeling myself.

Finding a toothpaste can be a process. I like Sensodyne, not because I have particularly sensitive teeth but because it just feels the nicest to use.

Dip your toothbrush head in hydrogen peroxide every so often.. whatever you feel like manages the cleanliness. There is some stuff that does build up on there and this easily deals with it.

I put a big ziplock bag full of those "disposable toothbrush" things in my car. Basically a plastic toothbrush that has a little toothpaste you can swallow.

It's not a real solution; but I find I at least use them. I usually leave the house and remember in the car "fuck I didn't brush my teeth again". So I use a disposable one and just brush while I drive.

They aren't a replacement for actually using a toothbrush and toothpaste. But, at least when my brain refuses to go brush my teeth I at least get something scrubbing them in some way.

It basically gives me a scenario in which I have no excuse not to use it. Because I'm already going out and I didn't brush my teeth.

Not really a solution to your main issue. But, sometimes the solution is just changing things to work for whatever your brain has issues with and trick it into a scenario it can't rationalize out of.

There are several flavor-free toothpastes available (on Amazon US, at least) if it’s the taste that’s irritating. I can’t vouch for their texture or effectiveness, but I’ve known several flavor-sensitive people who have found success with being able to use them.

Personally, I like the Oral-B brushes that have the stiffer, rubbery bristles on the side. They are currently called "Cross Action All In One" but I thinj they have changed the name over the years.

For toothpaste, I go with my dentist's recommendation of Colgate Optic White. Although I think my dentist is icerly concerned with cosmetic issues that I don't care about, and he recommended it for its whitening properties. I drink coffee and I don't care at all how white my teeth look as long as they are healthy and functional. Before that i used a vanialla flavored paste (I can't remember whether it waa crest or Colgate) that I liked a lot because it was milder than the super strong mint of most flavors. I also remember liking a charcoal toothpaste, but I didn't stick with it. I can't remember why but it may have just been more expensive.

It's worth reading the instructions. The ads and pictures, and any sort of depiction of someone brushing their teeth, always shows them loading up the whole brush with paste. The instructions usually say to only use a "pea sized" amount. Making that switch helped brushing to feel better, especially rinsing.

You can buy a UV sanitizing case for your toothbrush if you're concerned, or run it through the dishwasher, or handwash with dish detergent.

Also I find that brushing my teeth wakes me up, so I only do it in the morning. If I end up putting something unsanitary in my mouth before bed I will use mouthwash instead so that it is easier to sleep.

I just went to the dentist last week and confirmed all of my teeth are perfectly healthy (well, except one tooth but that was a mechanical accident not a maintenance issue).

You might need to experiment with different bristles, toothbrushes, or kinds of toothpaste. I'll tell you what works for me and why, but what works for me may not work for you and vice-versa. The main point is, there may be some combination of them that feels "right" to you.

Even though ten out of ten dentists recommend the softest bristles possible, I find that medium and even firm bristles feel "right" to me while soft ones don't... for some reason.

I also prefer the basic, bare-bones, cheapest toothbrushes you can find. With ordinary, plain bristles. Exotic bristles and weird plastic or rubbery bits feel wrong and foreign to me. Some people prefer electric brushes, one of those might be right for you. Most people don't mind it, but I don't like the sound it makes or the way it vibrates my skull when it touches my teeth.

Finally, for me, the number one biggest factor when it comes to mouth feel is the variety of toothpaste. I personally prefer ordinary Colgate. It's a plain white paste with no weird stripes, minty crystals, or weird flavors. It has a minimal mint flavor and feels "right" on my teeth and tongue. Everything else either feels too mushy or leaves a lingering mint taste that's more like eucalyptus or menthol.

i know that mouthwash isn't always less irritating than toothpaste, but it you can find a tolerable one, dentists say that fluoridated mouthwash is just as effective.

Have you tried using a sanitizing spray? A few sprays of hydrogen peroxide or isopropyl alcohol should kill anything lingering. Just make sure to rinse it before the next use.

Not saying this is a solution for everyone but i had a "spit cup" in my car -- usually a disposable cup from takeout or a reusable one I'd wash at the end of the day -- when i had toothbrushes in the car.

Also a spit cup near the bed when i needed it.