Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is important to keep your body healthy, speak clearly and stay comfortable. Unfortunately, people with arthritis, recovering from a stroke, Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophy or nerve damage will struggle to hold a toothbrush or thread floss between their teeth. The lack of dexterity will cause plaque to build up on your teeth causing them to rot quicker.

Thankfully there are some simple solutions available. In this article we’ll show you how to keep your teeth in excellent condition with some simple changes.

How Does Little Use of Your Hands Affect Oral Hygiene?

If you don’t have enough strength in your hands or stiff joints you won’t be able to brush and floss your teeth as usual. Most tools require precise finger movement, strong wrist movement and a good grip.

How Does Plaque Build Up?

– A lack of grip strength will cause difficulties reaching the back of your molars. Plaque will become stuck and harden into tartar within 48 hours causing irritation.

How Can Limited Hand Use Cause Cavities?

– Difficulties cleaning between your teeth will cause bacteria to feed on left over food particles creating acid to weaken your enamel.

How Can Limited Hand Use Lead to Gum Disease?

– Difficulty cleaning along your gum line will cause irritation and red bleeding gums. If left untreated this will lead to more serious gum disease (periodontitis) and tooth loss.

Why Can Brushing Cause More Frustration?

– Holding onto small handles can cause pain meaning many people rush their brushing or avoid flossing.

Which Adapted Brushing Tools Can Help?

There are lots of ways to upgrade your brushing tools.

Can an Electric Toothbrush Make Brushing Easier?

– This takes a lot of the effort out of brushing. It uses either sonic vibrations or rotating heads to clean your teeth.

Can You Use a Large Handle?

– Wrap a foam tube around your toothbrush handle to create a larger, softer grip.

How Can a Tennis Ball Handle Help?

– Cut a small slit in a tennis ball or soft bike bar grip and push your manual toothbrush handle through to create a large handle.

Can You Use a Long Handle Toothbrush?

– You can use bespoke extensions or angled handles.

What Is a Three Sided Toothbrush?

– Choose a 3 headed toothbrush.

Which Inter dental Tools Can Make Cleaning Easier?

Traditional floss can be tricky to use. However modern inter dental tools make it easy and quick.

How Does a Water Flosser Work?

– This will use a stream of water under pressure to remove food and plaque stuck between your teeth.

Can an Ergonomic Floss Pick Help?

– A long floss pick will make it easy to floss between your teeth. All you need to do is use one hand to floss.

What Are Tiny Inter dental Brushes?

– These small flexible brushes have large handles making it easy to push through large gaps.

What Is an Air Flosser?

– This handheld device uses a combination of water droplets and air to remove food between your teeth. All you need to do is press one button.

How Can You Create a Daily Oral Hygiene Routine?

Create a routine to make sure you’re taking your time to clean your teeth properly without putting stress on your joints.

Why Should You Sit Down While Brushing?

– Sit down at a table or sink. This will provide a flat surface to rest your elbows on.

How Long Should You Brush Your Teeth?

– Brush for 2 minutes twice a day. Choose a toothbrush with a timer.

Why Should You Divide Your Mouth into Four Sections?

– Split your mouth into 4 sections. Brush each section for 30 seconds.

When Should You Take Breaks?

– If your hand, wrist or jaw muscles are feeling tired take a short break between each section.

Why Should You Rinse After Eating?

– After eating rinse your mouth with fresh water.

Which Toothpaste and Mouthwash Should You Choose?

Choosing the correct products will help protect your teeth from cavities.

Why Should You Use Fluoride Toothpaste?

– Choose a toothpaste with fluoride to strengthen your enamel. This will help rebuild mineral lost due to plaque acids.

When Should You Choose Low Foam Toothpaste?

– If you have trouble swallowing or spitting choose a low foaming toothpaste.

Why Should You Use Alcohol Free Mouthwash?

– Use an anti bacterial mouthwash daily. This will help reduce plaque caused by bacteria without drying out your sensitive mouth.

How Can Caregivers Help With Oral Hygiene?

Family members or professional caregivers can help.

Why Is Communication Important?

– Be clear with them about what you’re going to do. This will help you feel relaxed, safe and in control.

Where Should Caregivers Stand?

– Stand just behind or next to the person sat down. Gently support their head so you can see their mouth.

How Should Caregivers Brush Teeth Gently?

– Use light circular motions with a soft bristle brush. Don’t use too much force on your sensitive gum lines.

Can a Suction Tube Help?

– If they have trouble spitting use a suction tube attached to a toothbrush.

Which Professional Prevention Techniques Can Help?

Talk to your dentist so they can provide you with a long term solution. They will also be able to adapt tools for you and spot any issues.

How Often Should You Visit Your Dentist?

– Visit your dentist 3-4 times a year for a professional clean.

Should You Ask for Fluoride Treatment?

– Ask your dentist to use a high concentration fluoride varnish during your visits.

Can Night Guards Help With Teeth Grinding?

– Ask about bespoke night guards if you suffer from muscle spasms or joint issues causing you to grind or clench your teeth at night.

Can an Occupational Therapist Help?

– Speak to an occupational therapist. They can provide bespoke 3D printed handles.

What Are the Top Tips for Limited Mobility?

  • Use an electric toothbrush.

  • Adapt your toothbrush by adding foam, rubber or tennis ball handles.

  • Swap to a water flosser or long handled floss picks.

  • Sit down at a table/sink. This will help you rest your elbows.

  • Brush twice a day for 2 minutes. Use a soft bristled brush and fluoridated toothpaste.

  • Use an alcohol free anti bacterial mouthwash.

  • Visit your dentist every 3-4 months for a professional clean.

What Are the Frequently Asked Questions?

Are Electric Toothbrushes Safe to Use If I Have Severe Shaking?

Yes! Electric toothbrushes are safe and effective to use. The large handle will give you a good grip and the brush head will move automatically meaning you won’t need to worry about your hand shaking.

What Should I Do If I Get Pain When Flossing?

This means your gums are inflamed. Swap to using a gentle water flosser on a low pressure setting or soft rubber picks. Clean your teeth daily and your gums will heal and stop bleeding within 2 weeks.

What Can I Do If I Have Trouble Spitting?

Use a tiny amount of non foaming fluoride toothpaste or a prescription fluoride gel. Wipe any excess moisture from your mouth with a soft cloth or use a gentle suction brush.

Can My Dentist Provide Bespoke Tools?

Yes! Many dentists and occupational therapists will create bespoke grips, angled attachments and bespoke plans.