Community hygiene log

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I took a shower today!

They put alcohol in mouthwash because it helps clean your mouth.

If I have things written down and posted and in a system that fits with my daily life, then it's all ok.

If....

The thing in doing hygenie and actually everything in a disciplined way is Rituals.

I have very clear rituals and checklists for every part and different events of the day. And I also have a checklist for the checklist, as stupid as it sounds.

But I dont have any problem with brushing any more (only w. going to the dentist haha), or getting up on the bike every morning on empty stomach for 40min. Because it has become such a ritual and I can't and wouldn't want to miss it for the world.

Showered! haven't brushed my teeth yet, gonna keep my options open for bedtime snacks.

Brushed before bed last nite, will brush after I finish this chocolate. Don't want that sugar on my teeth all day. Gotta start flossing tho.

For those whose sensory issues make brushing difficult, I just read a book called Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye. (It's not with me at the moment, so I can't look to see the author's name.) Anyway, she recommends using xylitol as a rinse or swab for people whose teeth can't be easily brushed. Xylitol is a natural sweetener. Chemically speaking, it's a sugar alcohol. (No, you can't get drunk off it, but anyone whose body can't produce the enzyme that metabolizes alcohol shouldn't ingest it.) The bacteria that corrode your teeth can't feed off xylitol, the way they can off sugar (which is what makes sugar bad for your teeth). Xylitol also balances the pH of your mouth to a healthy level. Too much in one day, especially when you're not used to it, can have a slight laxative effect, but the amount you'd use to rinse with is nowhere near that. Xylitol isn't metabolized with insulin, but you should check with your doctor if you're diabetic and thinking of using it as a sugar alternative. I'm not a doctor, chemist, or anything else where I'd be able to properly advise you on that.

I don't have too much trouble with hygiene unless I'm ill, extremely stressed and inactive, or having a bad fatigue flare-up. But I was sufficiently impressed with the book I mentioned above and my own poking around on the internet to try to learn and separate fact from fiction that I decided to add a rinse with xylitol for a few minutes, both before and after each brushing. It's made it easier to get my teeth clean in a shorter brushing session, which minimizes friction from the brush against my teeth. I don't have a sensory issue with that, but excessive abrasion will wear on the enamel over time. I also sometimes rinse with it after meals, if I don't get a chance to brush or am having one of the above mentioned difficulties. It dissolves best in warm or hot water, so I put a little in a cup, with a small amount of hot tap water, and swish it around until the granules disappear. By then, the water is also a good deal cooler. It tastes just like sugar.

Xylitol is not cheap, but I use little enough at a time and, therefore, little enough each day, that I don't have to worry too much about that. In my totally non-professional opinion, I'd personally say anyone who's concerned about oral health for any reason, or anyone with sensory or other issues with oral hygiene, should look into this and try to make an informed decision of their own about it.

i dont have sensory issues with brushing although since ibought my spinbrush ive been having some but i tolerate it..it;s no big deal and pretty cool..like a drill in my mouth.