Any kind of persistent pain, weakness or discomfort in the hands can turn brushing your teeth from an easy task into an agonizing chore, so brushing and flossing is often a real problem for people suffering from arthritis. You should never cut back and let the condition affect your oral health. Instead, take the following tips into account to make brushing easier.
Brush with an Electric Toothbrush
You might have used a manual toothbrush your whole life without any cause for complaint, but it’s time to switch up for an electric toothbrush if you suffer from arthritis. Brushing your teeth with a manual toothbrush means holding a thin piece of plastic, brushing back and forth, and manoeuvring into hard-to-reach areas. Electric toothbrushes have larger handles, making them easier to hold, and you don’t need to brush back and forth – instead you move the toothbrush steadily around and let its moving head do the hard work for you.
Fit a Toothpaste Dispenser
If you suffer from arthritis, you’ll know that even simple acts can cause pain, especially when you’re stiff in the morning and tired out last thing at night. Even squeezing out toothpaste from the tube can feel surprisingly uncomfortable, which is why it’s a good idea to install a toothpaste dispenser. You can fit one to the wall of your bathroom, then simply press a button to have the toothpaste come out.
Use Interdental Brushes
Flossing is even harder than brushing since it involves manipulating the hands in and out of the mouth, plus a lot of fine movements. If you have arthritis, flossing can be practically impossible, not just painful. But you still need to get to those areas between your teeth, so try using interdental brushes instead. They look a little like a toothbrush, except with a long bristled end that can be easily slipped between your teeth.