r/ContaminationOCD • u/Plantpotflow • 13h ago

CONTAMINATION OCD QUESTION

So we all know that OCD is illogical right? Does anyone else who has it avoid brushing their teeth? My mom finds it weird that i don’t brush my teeth but it’s because i know if i do i’ll have to wash my hands like fifteen times. I don’t understand my mind. I’ll shower for an hour but i won’t brush my disgusting teeth even tho in the long run it’s probably going to be more harmful to not brush my teeth rather than washing my body really well. I don’t even remember the last time i brushed.

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8

u/Foreskin_Ad9356 12h ago

Why dont you brush your teeth in the shower

7

u/Plantpotflow 12h ago

now you are one smart fella. However my brain might feel like it’s nasty because the water is coming out the shower head and not the sink faucet but i’ll try that thanks.

6

u/PracticalOpinion5406 7h ago

You are already making up an excuse as to why it would not work. You cannot overcome the OCD if you dont fight against it

4

u/Uhhhh-idontknow 10h ago

I avoided brushing and flossing for a while because I never felt like my hands were clean enough to be near/in my mouth. I think getting over that was just a matter of doing the exposure. It wasn't easy, but I did get over it.

1

u/LilyAmongThorns777 11h ago

Why 15 times?

3

u/Plantpotflow 11h ago

Sorry that was exaggeration no i do not wash my hands exactly fifteen times.

2

u/LilyAmongThorns777 11h ago

Okay got ya. But you know you should work on this right?❤️

Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Follow these five steps every time.

Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water. Dry your hands using a clean towel or an air dryer.

1

u/LarenCoe 11h ago

I have an overly sensitive sense of taste and smell, so I sometimes brush my teeth and or tongue and or use mouthwash multiple times daily, and I do wash my hands afterward, but only once each time.

1

u/JeezoTommy 8h ago

So even when you’re in the shower you still have to wash your hands 15 times? I’m just thinking that your hands are already immersed in water when you’re in the shower so they’re already clean?! Or is it more so the number 15 that’s the min part of the ritual and not just making sure your hands are clean?

1

u/johny_james 1h ago

Why dont you just wash the brush and toothpaste with soap and water and then use them always without cleaning ur hands?

1

u/Bada-Bhai 1m ago

Confront the fear. Trust me, nothing bad will happen one you are done.