Q: Any tips for a person with arthritic hands when it comes to dental care?
A: Whether it's a result of arthritis, aging or some sort of accident, people can lose dexterity. That lack of dexterity can make regular home dental hygiene a challenge. For ease in using a toothbrush, make the handle of the brush bigger. That can be achieved by wrapping the handle with tape, a sponge or an athletic bandage. Or, you could slightly slit a rubber or tennis ball and insert the brush handle. You also might put a wide elastic band around your hand to hold the toothbrush in place. Make sure the band is not so tight as to be painful.
You might also find that lengthening the brush's handle helps. You can do that by fastening the handle of the brush with elastic bands or some other device to, say, a Popsicle stick, tongue depressor or ruler. Finally, consider whether an electric toothbrush might be right for you. For floss, you might try tying it into a loop for easier handling, or buy a commercial floss holder. Talk with your dentist about ways to maintain your oral health if you are permanently or temporarily troubled by a dexterity loss.
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