Do you find yourself dreading brushing your teeth due to arthritis pain? Does dealing with string floss make you want to quit flossing altogether?
If you’re living with arthritis, brushing and flossing can be difficult or even painful. But you should never suffer when it comes to cleaning your teeth. Tools like electric toothbrushes and water flossers will make the job much easier. Here are some more tips on how to make cleaning your teeth less of a chore.
Five Tips for Brushing and Flossing Your Teeth When You Have Arthritis
1. Try Sitting Down to Brush
Brushing your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day is absolutely necessary. But holding your arm up for those two minutes can feel like forever when you have arthritis. One simple way to find relief is by sitting down and resting your elbow on the counter while you brush. This puts less strain on your joints, especially when you cushion your elbow with a folded towel.
2. Switch to an Electric Toothbrush
If you’ve been using a normal toothbrush, consider switching to an electric one to give your hand and wrist a much-needed rest. Since an electric toothbrush makes circular and back-and-forth movements on its own, it requires a lot less movement than a manual brush. For maximum comfort, look for an electric toothbrush with a large, easy-to-grip, ergonomic handle.
3. Try Floss Alternatives
Daily flossing is crucial for removing plaque between the teeth. So if you’ve been avoiding flossing, it may be time to try some other options. For instance, water flossers are a popular alternative because they’re so easy to handle. An interdental brush is another good alternative because it’s easier to grip than string floss but it can still reach those hard-to-clean spaces.
4. Try Out Some Ergonomic Tools
There are many tools that can help make brushing and flossing your teeth easier for you if you have arthritis. For instance, a toothbrush gripper or a handle extender can help you hold your toothbrush much more comfortably. A floss holder is another helpful tool, with a long handle that makes it easier to reach the back of your mouth when flossing. And using an automatic toothpaste dispenser or chewable toothpaste tablets means you won’t have to worry about squeezing a tube.
5. Ask a Dentist for Personalized Tips
If brushing and flossing are painful for you, let your dentist know! They will be able to recommend the best dental products, tools, and techniques based on your specific needs. They might also recommend coming in for an extra cleaning every once in a while, to get rid of tartar buildup and prevent gum disease.
Dental Care in Flagstaff
If you’re looking for a dentist in the Flagstaff area, our team at Country Club Dental would be happy to meet you! We can provide comprehensive dental care and help you find the best ways to keep your teeth clean if you have arthritis. Contact us to request an appointment, and we’ll get you scheduled for an exam and cleaning.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (3/10/2026). Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash
