I go to dental hygienists instead. It’s not a perfect replacement, but it’s a necessary step in my dental journey.
The ones I’ve had have been a lot more… nuanced, in their approach. I tell mine upfront that I have ADHD and it makes it incredibly hard to build and follow a routine, and that is what I need help and compassion around.
If one then reacts judgingly or without understanding I would probably find a different one for the next appointment, but so far I’ve been lucky.
The first times I went they used numbing salve to make is less painful to get the numbing syringe, and they only cleaned a quarter of my mouth each time.
Every time we go over what I’ve managed to do with praise, and what I’ve struggled with without judgement. We do a cleaning (full mouth, unless I have a really bad day, and no numbing necessary anymore!), then together figure out what I can do on the things I struggle with, or if it’s better to focus on keeping routine and doing the easier parts until next time.
They have demonstrated and had me demonstrate brushing and flossing techniques several times, given me extra soft brushes with extra tiny heads to make it easier to navigate without slamming into other mouth structures when I get inattentive or impatient, and picked out four different options for toothpaste for my teeths needs.
It’s been incredibly helpful to get my teeth healthier. And it makes it easier to visit the dentist knowing that I don’t have to do it a lot and that I have other dental professionals in my corner. It also helps me communicate clearly to the dentist when something hurts too much and that they don’t need to lecture me because I am already working with a hygienist on my habits thankyouverymuch.
Can’t recommend it enough. Provided you are upfront with your issues and they are accepting of them.
I start work way too early for me, so I only brush my teeth before leaving home. Do slow work (e-mails, go over today’s schedule, routine/repetitive tasks) for the first part of the day, then meds and breakfast (a huel-shake from a bag I keep at work). My office has like a breakfast/post-breakfast meeting the same time every day so it’s a great reminder to eat and medicate during it.
Same for lunch: shake and meds.
A generous helping of nuts and raisins for a snack about 1-1,5 hours before leaving work otherwise I’ll crash the moment I get home and not manage a thing, not even a single positive thought, for the rest of the day. Then I’ll eat the rest of my energy intake for dinner and supper, because I’m always at a deficit during work days.