15: When Brushing Your Teeth is Hard with Dr. Taylor McFarland DDS

Dental hygiene is a Struggle Care issue that elicits very strong feelings, as evidenced by the number of responses I receive to any social media post on this topic. Why do so many people feel strongly about brushing their teeth? Let’s talk about it with today’s guest!

Taylor McFarland is a pediatric dentist, wife, and mother who creates content on social media about dental care. She and I follow each other on TikTok, and I knew she was the perfect person to help us dive into the problem of why brushing teeth is a big Struggle Care topic for many people.

Show Highlights:

• How Dr. Taylor, as a pediatric dentist, came to the unique viewpoint of understanding why mental health issues cause people to struggle with teeth brushing
• Why everyone who experiences this struggle thinks they are THE ONLY ONE
• Helpful tips on how to find a dentist who will most likely be more understanding
• Why it helps to be honest about your specific barriers to brushing
• The purpose behind brushing—and why it’s OK to skip the toothpaste!
• How to “pick the pain” that will increase your functioning
• The purpose of toothpaste–(Fluoride is the key!)
• Why sodium lauryl sulfate is usually the ingredient that bothers most people who have toothpaste sensitivity
• Dr. Taylor’s tips for people bothered by toothpaste, and toothbrush bristles
• How apps can make brushing more tolerable, especially with electric toothbrushes
• Why it sometimes helps to brush your teeth in a different place, like in the shower or the kitchen
• Why charcoal toothpaste is NOT the best option for daily use

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Taylor: TikTok, Instagram, and Website

Connect with KC: TikTok, Instagram, and Website (Click the “Hygiene” tab under “Resources” for more information about teeth brushing!)

Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning

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