I get what you mean about feeling guilty—skipping a brush gives me this nagging worry, like I’m letting things slide. But I’m always torn, because if I push too hard, my dad just shuts down or gets upset, and then nobody wins. Mouthwash feels like a band-aid, not a real fix. I keep wondering if those “no brushing” nights will catch up to us, but sometimes it’s just not worth the meltdown. Still, I kind of wish there was a middle ground... maybe even just a quick swipe with a wet cloth if toothpaste is too much?
I keep wondering if those “no brushing” nights will catch up to us, but sometimes it’s just not worth the meltdown.
Totally get this. My son is autistic, and there are nights where even mentioning the toothbrush just sets him off. I used to beat myself up over it, but honestly, some days you just have to pick your battles. Wet cloth trick has actually helped us too—especially when toothpaste feels like too much. I figure a little is better than nothing, right? The guilt’s real, but I try to remind myself that keeping peace matters too.
“some days you just have to pick your battles. Wet cloth trick has actually helped us too—especially when toothpaste feels like too much.”
That wet cloth thing actually reminds me of caring for my grandma. She hated brushing at night, especially if she was tired or cranky. I’d try to insist, but honestly, it just led to arguments and both of us feeling lousy. I started wiping her teeth with a damp washcloth on rough nights—felt guilty, but it was better than nothing. I still worry about those skipped nights, but peace sometimes wins out over perfect hygiene.
I totally get the guilt thing—sometimes you just have to go with what works in the moment. I’ve read mixed things about whether wiping with a cloth is enough, especially over time. Has anyone ever had a dentist actually say it’s okay to skip a night here or there? Or are we just hoping it’s not a big deal if it’s only occasional? I’m always second-guessing myself on these things.
I wrestle with this all the time, honestly. The guilt is real, but I’ve had a couple dentists over the years quietly admit that missing a night here and there isn’t the end of the world—especially if you’re consistent most of the time. I’ve done the cloth wipe thing too when brushing just wasn’t happening, and while it’s not perfect, it’s definitely better than nothing. Dental care can get expensive fast, so I try not to stress about perfection and focus on what’s doable without breaking the bank.
