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Dental Care for Patients with Physical Disabilities

by Guillermo

Taking care of your oral health becomes more challenging when you have physical disabilities. In Burlington, people with mobility issues find it challenging to keep up with daily brushing and flossing or to visit the dentist. Traditional dental offices usually do not have accessible equipment. This can make people with physical disabilities hesitant to visit a dentist. 

Thankfully, there are now various Burlington dentists with special equipment and features. They have wheelchair-accessible entrances and chairs that adjust to your needs. Moreover, they are trained to provide personalized care for all types of patients. This way, dental visits and treatment procedures are more comfortable for everyone. 

If you have physical disabilities, do not let them stop you from taking care of your oral health. You might be taking certain medications that can make you more susceptible to gum disease, cavities, or infections. This is why seeing your dentist regularly becomes more important. If you or someone you know has a physical disability, book a dental appointment today. 

Common dental health challenges for patients with physical disabilities

Patients with physical disabilities often face difficulties in maintaining good oral hygiene. They may face problems in going to the dentist due to mobility issues or struggle with their daily oral care routine. Some people find it hard to handle the toothbrush or floss property due to limited hand movement or strength. 

However, if they take some medications to get out of this situation, it can have side effects such as dry mouth. This can result in even more discomfort and also increases the risk of tooth decay. As a result, these people are at a higher risk of oral health issues. 

At-home dental care tips for patients with physical disabilities

1. Adaptive oral care tools.

Using adaptive oral care tools can be a life savior for people with physical disabilities. Electric toothbrushes have larger grips and are easier to handle than normal toothbrushes. These brushes can provide better control and comfort and help you clean your teeth more effectively. 

Floss holders or interdental brushes are also helpful tools. These allow individuals to clean between their teeth without struggling to hold traditional floss.

2. Positioning assistance.

For example, using a mirror can help them see the back of their mouth and ensure they do not miss any spots. In some cases, a caregiver can also help by assisting with brushing or flossing. 

The caregiver can make sure that all areas, including the difficult-to-reach parts, are cleaned properly. This makes sure that no plaque builds up and that you have a clean and fresh mouth.

3. Hydration and saliva stimulation.

Hydration and saliva stimulation play a very important role in oral health. Drinking a good amount of water throughout the day helps rinse away food particles and bacteria in your mouth and also prevents dry mouth. 

For patients who have dry mouths, chewing sugar-free gums is very important. It increases saliva production, keeps your mouth moist, and protects you from cavities.

4. Dietary considerations.

A healthy diet is very important for patients with physical disabilities. It is highly advised to reduce sugary items to prevent cavities and protect your teeth. 

These items can lead to plaque buildup, which can lead to tooth decay. However, eating healthier snacks like vegetables, fruits, and dairy products will keep your teeth strong and help maintain good oral hygiene. 

5. Regular cleaning routine.

Maintaining a regular cleaning routine is very important for good oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is important to remove plaque and food particles from the teeth. 

Moreover, using a fluoride-based mouthwash strengthens your enamel and protects you from cavities and gum diseases further.

Dental care is made easy for those with physical disabilities!

Do not let physical disabilities stop you from maintaining good oral health. Visit a Burlington dental office that is equipped with accessible features and trained staff for better care!

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