Struggling To Brush Because Of Arthritis? Here Are Some Options

28 November 2018
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

Share

People who deal with arthritis are acutely aware of how this condition affects their everyday life. You might be sore while sitting, standing, or lying down, and be unable to enjoy the physical pursuits that were once a part of your life. You may also notice that your hands lack the strength and ability to perform certain tasks — opening stubborn jars, for example. Your hands may have trouble gripping your toothbrush, thus making it difficult to properly brush your teeth. Don't simply shrug off this important daily task, as doing so can be detrimental for a number of reasons. Instead, here are some options that you can pursue.

Buy An Arthritis-Friendly Brush

Consult your dentist, family doctor, or pharmacist to learn about arthritis-friendly toothbrushes. There are several such products available on the market, and commonly feature a large, bulky, and sometimes circular handle. The increased handle size makes this type of toothbrush significantly easier for you to grip when you have arthritis in your hands. Some of these toothbrushes are electric, too, which can make brushing your teeth easier than having to do the task manually.

Make A Tennis Ball Brush

Many arthritis sufferers take a do-it-yourself approach to improving their ability to brush their teeth by making a tennis ball brush. Take your regular toothbrush, cut a hole in a tennis ball, and then jam the handle end of the toothbrush into the hole. You'll be left with a toothbrush with a large, circular handle, which will be easier for you to grip. When you cut the hole in the tennis ball, make sure to keep it small. The smaller the hole, the tighter it will hold your toothbrush.

Wrap Your Handle

Another method that you can use to make the brushing experience easier is to simply wrap something around the handle of your toothbrush. Doing so makes it larger, and thus easier to grip when your hands aren't as responsive as they used to be. Folding a facecloth to the right size and then having someone help you wrap it tightly around the handle of your brush, securing it at each end with a heavy elastic, is a simple task. Your toothbrush might not look very fancy, but you'll find that it's easier to grasp. Don't hesitate to discuss your arthritis with your dentist to see if he or she has different options that will help to make your ability to brush easier.