Dental hygiene is an important part of health care, as infections that begin in the mouth can spread to other parts of the body. As you get older, it can be harder to clean your teeth due to mobility issues, muscle deterioration, joint pain, and other conditions that can come with age. You can make this process easier with the right tools and techniques, protecting your teeth and your overall health.

How to Make Dental Health Care Easier

1. Use Floss Alternatives

Flossing takes a significant amount of moving to manipulate the product carefully, and the waxy string can be challenging to grasp. Get a floss holder to help you complete this essential oral hygiene task. These products come in many sizes and shapes and make it much easier to hold the floss. You can also skip the floss completely and invest in a water pick to clean between your teeth.

2. Get an Electric Toothbrush

Brushing your teeth manually requires repetitive hand movements, which can be difficult if you have a condition that affects your hand or arm. An electric toothbrush makes this process simpler because the brush head does most of the moving for you. For the best results, opt for a model that rotates and oscillates.

3. Try a Suction Device

If you have difficulty controlling your face and throat muscles, the toothpaste foam can get messy and be a choking hazard. Pick up a suction device similar to the one your dentist uses to get rid of the excess liquid. If the tool intimidates you, brush without toothpaste. Brushing with a dry brush or with one that’s only wet with water reduces plaque by almost 60%.

If you need more assistance in maintaining your dental routine, you may benefit from the help of a care home. The team at Hale Makua Health Services in Kahului, HI, will help you perform your personal care and hygiene routines. These professionals have served Maui residents for over 70 years, offering attentive, compassionate, and personalized care to their patients. Call (808) 877-2761 to speak with a health care professional about your needs, or learn more about their services online.