10 Feb Caring for Your Teeth When You Have Joint Pain
When you have pain in your wrists, fingers, elbows, or jaw, it can be aggravating to brush your teeth. And when brushing your teeth is painful, it can be difficult to do it thoroughly. Making a few small adjustments, like using different tools, will make caring for your teeth when you have joint pain a whole lot easier and more comfortable.
There are a lot of good tools that can make brushing and flossing more comfortable for those with arthritis pain. If you’ve been hesitant to try them, now is the time. Water flossers and electric toothbrushes have improved in quality over the years. There are even toothbrush/flosser combinations available, and many have found pain relief while using them.
Osteoarthritis and Tooth Pain
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that breaks down the cartilage and connecting tissues in your joints. It can be extremely painful, and can also cause limited hand mobility. The pain and inhibited range of motion often make it challenging to maintain good oral hygiene. If you are not able to brush and floss properly, the plaque buildup will increase your risk of dental problems. Additionally, some medications for osteoarthritis can weaken the immune system, leading to other potential oral health complications.
Joint Pain in Your Jaw While Brushing Teeth
Did you know that it’s common for many people—seniors especially—to experience pain in their jaw or teeth? While up to 70% of people report experiencing pain while brushing their teeth, about 12% of people are experiencing TMJ disorders. Jaw pain can develop because of arthritis or other problems like teeth grinding, excessive nail chewing, or a misaligned bite. If you think you have TMJ—here are some ways to manage your discomfort.
TIP: If you have pain while brushing and flossing your teeth, consider new alternatives to old tools. Water flossers (or water pics) and electric toothbrushes go a long way towards preventing the joint pain you feel while cleaning your teeth. There are even options that include two in one!
Will a Water Flosser Still Clean My Teeth Properly?
Yes, a water flosser (also called an oral irrigator) will help clean your teeth. However, the scraping motion you get from string floss is better at removing plaque. While a water flosser is a great tool for removing bits of food stuck between your teeth, it can not remove plaque buildup from your teeth.
For this reason, we do not recommend that everyone switch to an irrigator—only those who need them. Of course, using a water flosser is far better than not flossing at all. If you’re skipping your flossing routine because of joint pain, annoyance, gum sensitivity, or difficulty holding string floss—try a water flosser!
Saba and Chiappetti Dental Associates can help you maintain healthy teeth!
If you’re struggling to care for your teeth because of joint pain, come to Saba and Chiappetti Dental Associates in Sun Lakes. We are dedicated to providing the personalized dental care you need, and we always try to make your visits as comfortable and pleasant as possible. We can recommend the best products and techniques for your oral health, and provide preventive treatments to keep your mouth healthy. Give yourself a reason to smile—call us to set up an appointment today.
Images used under creative commons license—commercial use (01.02.25). Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay.