Do NT-s have sharper sense of hygine

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One of my social problems is due to forgetting to shower, brush my teeth, etc. I always viewed it as forgetfulness. But now something else crossed my mind. So I was talking to two other people, and one of them excused themselves to go brush their teeth. So clearly they don't just brush teeth because they are "supposed" to do it (otherwise they would have either done it at the morning or on any event they would have found some other time than the middle of conversation). So perhaps when NT-s don't shower or don't brush teeth they FEEL something is wrong. Now, to be fair, during the very FEW occasions when I DO take good care of myself, I "feel" that something is "wonderful" like I am so fresh all of a sudden. But if I dont take care of myself I dont feel much at all. So do you think it is a sensory issue that falls into the department of "under-sensitivity"? Or is it just a case of "being dissensitized" which would be equally applicable to eitehr aspie or NT subjected to a given stimuli (dirt) for too long? Apart from this one thing I haven't noticed being any different from NT-s on sensory department (my asperger symptoms are about social skills and obsessions, but not about sensory stuff).

Hi Roman, I'm NT and I guess I just remember to have a shower every day like you, and brush my teeth twice a day. On the weekends I don't necessarily shower every day, if I'm just going to be working outside around the house, or stuff like that, but I notice I smell a bit "manly" sometimes (Euphemism for stinkey ).
Trying to get my (NT) daughter to shower at least once every 2 days and brush her teeth..what a mission, we've had to resort to threats and bribes.

So no - IMHO don't think there is any particular difference, I just think those people that brush their teeth in the middle of the day, are just fastidious types who are more self-aware about those issues due to them focusing on them.

Them NT´s are probably just more interested in what the other NT people think about them. it seems to be videly accepted (commercials, magazines etc.) to shower and wash hair at least once a day. It is not really good for your skin and skalp to do that, but on the other hand it is not always nice to have to bear the smell of other people.

It's probably just a personal preference that has nothing to do with NT or AS. I have AS and while I don't enjoy showering etc, I do it every day unless I'm in the midst of a deep depression. Even then, I feel all nasty and wish I felt like showering.

My husband is NT and he doesn't shower often and rarely brushes his teeth. Hence, no cuddeling and NEVER any kissing from me.

I make sure to brush/floss my teeth EVERY day for 5-10 minutes which is longer than most NTs. But I sometimes will skip taking a shower for a day. NTs often love to waste water in the shower.

Some people like to brush after lunch. I do sometimes if I had a cheese steak or something that got stuck in my teeth.

As for showering, I can't stand not showering. It helps me wake up, and just gives a generally good clean comfortable feeling. Of course, as a male, I can be in and out in 5 minutes.

That's why I really never understood males who don't' bath.

I am in and out in 5 minutes as well. But apparently I have a male brain in many ways, nothing to do with sex.

Isn't it the other way around?

Forgot the

I do that too. Usually a quick 2-3 minute rinse off after soaking in the spa at my house. Not always of course though. lol

People (which include NT and Autistic) have different hygiene habits. Some people shower and brush their teeth often, some don't and all for a variety of reasons. It's far too general to try and draw conclusion on what motivates (or doesn't) people to or not to keep clean and brush their teeth.

I'm the same way. If I'm not camping or something I don't feel good without a morning shower.

There's also the general rule that if you can smell your own odor it's likely another person who gets too close will smell it twice as strong as your nose has probably acclimated some from being immersed in your own stench.

The only thing I'm lazy about is giving myself a clean shave as it just takes too much time. I tried just letting it grow but didn't like how that looked or felt so I resigned to having 5 day facial hair most of the time.

If that's you in your avatar, I wouldn't question 5 minutes because your hair is short. (Although with dyed hair you should make sure you condition )

I shower every other day (unless I get dirty that day from doing yard work or from sweating) and I brush my teeth every day. I shower because I like to be clean and I like to keep shaved and I can't stand the feeling of being dirty. I brush my teeth so they won't rot and decay. I also floss them when I remember so my teeth and gums stay healthy.

I don´t wash my hair every day only every 3 days or so. If the hair and scalp is not damaged by soap every day the natural balance of the skin stays more natural. I prefer the look of my hair the day after it has been washed.

My personal appearance has never been too high on my list of priorities. That being said, I shower every day that I work or get dirty or can't stand to be in my own company . I also brush my teeth twice a day because good dental hygene is cost effective in the long run. I usually wear a clean tee shirt, but most of my current crop of them either has holes or grease stains or even paint from when I painted the house 3 years ago, so I don't look spectacular. I have 3 pairs of shorts too. One pair I wear for work, one for around the house or when I go shopping (sometimes I use the work ones for that too...) and one pair that is hideous and covered with oil and grease. The last pair is useful when crawling around under one of the vehicles I have when I don't want to ruin the other two. They never get washed though because they are too tatty and too dirty and I am afraid of what they will do to my washing machine. My socks are all plain and white, and most have holes in them right now. However, I am hoping that when I get my finances sorted a little better that I will be able to afford the luxury of a trip to Wal Mart for new socks, tee shirts and maybe even some shorts!