Disabled adults are more likely than the general population to have unmet oral healthcare needs and have decreased oral health outcomes (da Rosa et al., 2020; Chavis & Macek, 2022). While economic, social, transportation, and other societal barriers exist, this blog will focus on daily at-home oral care with an emphasis on accessibility. Personal factors for individuals can include lack of necessary sensory and motor skills to complete oral care tasks and vision impairments preventing adequate oral inspection. Part of the solution lies in equipping individuals and caregivers with options for accessible oral care. If you have a disability, it’s important to talk to your dentist about your concerns and adaptive oral care options. They can help you to choose the right tools and techniques for your individual needs. An occupational therapy practitioner (OTP) may have a few tricks and tips up their sleeve as well.
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A faucet extender, rinsing cup with two handles, mouthwash pump, toothpaste with crimper and other items are at a sink.Accessible Toothbrush and Toothpaste Options for Disabled Adults
1. Electric Toothbrushes To Conserve Energy and Enhance Thoroughness
Electric toothbrushes can be helpful for disabled adults because they require less energy expenditure and dexterity to operate. Electric toothbrushes help conserve energy due to the vibrating or rotational brush movements they provide. They also ensure that teeth are cleaned thoroughly, a benefit to users with arm weakness, tremors, or other movement difficulties.
Built-up electric toothbrush button. Button was made out of a dot of hot glue which was left to cool and then secured to the toothbrush with gel super glue.2. Ultrasonic U-shaped Electric Toothbrushes For Nearly Hands-Free Brushing
Shaped like a mouth guard, ultrasonic U-shaped electric toothbrushes use ultrasonic waves to clean teeth more thoroughly and gently than traditional toothbrushes. One manufacturer is Sonic Brush. After toothpaste is applied, the user places the mouthpiece inside the mouth for two minutes or so. No back and forth motion by the hands are required.
3. Ergonomic Grips and Added Handles For Toothbrushes
Grips, handles, and straps can be added to toothbrushes to make them easier to grasp. Check out the TePe Extra Grip or the EazyHold. Several options are featured on our blog post about Universal Cuffs, Clips, and Holders. Or try simple foam grip tubing that you can cut to fit and modify as needed.
Toothbrush with DIY universal cuff added
Handles can be built-up by wrapping several layers of self-adhering bandage wrap
Weighted toothbrush made out of large metal bolt and covered with self-adhering bandage wrap.4. Wall Mounted Toothpaste Dispensers For Limited Dexterity
Toothpaste dispensers can be helpful for people with limited dexterity or mobility. They can be used to dispense toothpaste directly onto the toothbrush, without the need to squeeze a tube.
5. Toothpaste Crimpers and Squeezers For Limited Hand Function
These devices can wring toothpaste out of the tube evenly with less hand squeezing required. Check out the Big Squeeze as an example.
DIY toothpaste crimper made out of a binder clip. The metal is covered with foam to protect the hands.6. Toothpaste with Flip-Top Lids or Self-Closing Caps For Easier Access
Some toothpaste brands have flip-top lids rather than screw-on, making the lid easier to manipulate and preventing cap loss. As an alternative, self-closing toothpaste caps like SqueezMe can replace a screw-top lid.
Loop handle for a toothpaste cap made out of a zip tie and double sided hook and loop tape.Other Oral Care Gadgets for Adults with Disabilities
7. Mouthwash Pumps For Limited Dexterity
Mouthwash pumps can be helpful for people with limited dexterity or mobility. They can be used to dispense mouthwash directly into the mouth or a sturdy cup without the need to hold a bottle or pour the mouthwash.
8. Automatic Mouthwash Dispensers For Limited Hand Function
Infrared sensors dispense mouthwash into a cup instead of having to unscrew a mouthwash lid and pour mouthwash out from a bottle.
9. Floss Holders for Limited Dexterity
Floss holders can be helpful for people with limited dexterity or mobility. They can be used to hold the floss in place, making it easier to floss. An example is The Original FlossAid Dental Floss Holder.
Foam tubing added to a flosser stick.10. Hands-Free Dental Floss
11. Tongue Scrapers To Manage Fatigue and Reduce Dexterity Requirements
Tongue scrapers can be used to remove bacteria and debris from the tongue. This can take the place of brushing the tongue with a toothbrush which requires more dexterity and can be fatiguing.
12. Water Flossers
Water flossers can be used to clean between the teeth and around the gum line. This can potentially take the place of traditional dental floss which requires more effort and finger dexterity.
Waterpik brand water flosser on sink counter13. Special Needs Toothbrushes
Modified toothbrushes are available for people with a variety of disabilities. For example, there are toothbrushes with longer handles, toothbrushes with angled heads, and toothbrushes with softer bristles. The Triple Bristle makes three-sided sonic toothbrushes and Dentrust makes three-sided manually operated toothbrushes.
Oral Care Devices for People with Disabilities Summary
Disabled adults often face unique challenges, such as limited sensory and motor skills or vision impairments, making daily oral care tasks more difficult. This blog post has highlighted 12 assistive devices that can significantly enhance at-home oral care accessibility. The options presented here, ranging from electric toothbrushes to floss holders and mouthwash pumps, offer practical solutions to overcome these challenges. By incorporating these assistive devices with guidance from healthcare professionals, individuals with disabilities can maintain sparkling oral health.
Sources
Chavis, S. E., & Macek, M. (2022). Impact of disability diagnosis on dental care use for adults in the United States: status matters. The Journal of the American Dental Association, 153(8), 797-804.
da Rosa, S. V., Moysés, S. J., Theis, L. C., Soares, R. C., Moysés, S. T., Werneck, R. I., & Rocha, J. S. (2020). Barriers in access to dental services hindering the treatment of people with disabilities: a systematic review. International journal of dentistry, 2020.
