Strange 'phobia'(?)

[nobrush]

Ok, this may sound weird, but I HATE the feel of a toothbrush (or anything else) scratching against my teeth! I've tried every 'soft' one out there, and the feeling it gives me is comparable to the feeling some people get from running your nails down a chalkboard.
I hardly ever brush my teeth, have horrible tooth problems, and I worry about it all the time.
I even dream about all of my teeth falling out, but I HATE the way it feels when I brush my teeth. When I DO brush, I end up clenching my teeth so hard it hurts, AND I have to run the water so I can't hear the SOUNDS of the toothbrush grinding on my teeth.
I can't stand the sound of my daughter brushing her teeth...I make her stay in the bathroom to do it (she tends to roam,she's 6!) and I got us both electric toothbrushes so the noise helps 'cover' the sound.
Has anyone else ever experienced this?

[gdentalfear]

First of all: congratulations for posting here.

I have not experienced this particular sound/touch sensitivity, but as you already know, a lot of people are sensitive to certain sounds, the running your nails down a chalkboard being a very common one.

I personally also can't bear to listen to polystyrene being crashed - go figure!

What I am concerned about is how this sensitivity is affecting your oral health.

You mention that it isn't just the feel/sound of the toothbrush but also that you can't stand "anything else scratching against your teeth". What things other than a toothbrush have you tried? For example, have you tried flossing? (Although the dental floss will touch your teeth, it doesn't actually "scratch" - in fact, if you use waxed floss, it will be soundless.)

Have you ever discussed this with a dentist?

I've got a number of suggestions going through my head, if you want to know more.

G.