Caring For Your Teeth Single-Handedly

Having to give up the use of a hand for a limited time due to an injury or health problem or even permanently is a difficult ordeal to go through. It can be hard to adapt to daily demands while using just one hand, including taking care of your oral hygiene. While your mouth may not be a top priority right now, your oral health will decline if it isn't taken care of regardless of the reason why. Read on to discover ways to keep your teeth in good condition while you can only use a single hand.

Water Flosser

Flossing is nearly impossible with a single hand. While you can use a floss pick, maneuvering into every nook and cranny of your mouth is still quite difficult with only one hand to use. Instead, consider using a water flosser.

Water flossers look and act similarly to the water spray your dental hygienist uses when you go in for a cleaning. The high-powered stream of water blasts away food debris, as well as  up to 99% of plaque build-up. With regular usage, you can help prevent cavities and gum disease by spraying away plaque before it can become tartar.

Electric Toothbrush

Another good choice is an electric toothbrush. Making little circles with your brush can be tough with just one hand, since you can't switch off when you go to the other side of your mouth. Thankfully, electric toothbrushes can handle this for you.

An electric toothbrush is designed to move each bristle individually in a pattern that's best for oral health - typically a circle. By using an electric toothbrush, all you need to worry about is making sure each tooth gets an adequate amount of time under the brush while it does the rest of the work.

Long-Term Sealants

Lastly, if you know that your hand is going to be out of commission for a long time, consider asking your dentist about dental sealants. These sealants are designed to act like a second layer of enamel, helping to keep tartar from chewing its way down into your tooth and creating a cavity. While you still need to take steps to care for your oral health, this extra protection can help to ensure that you don't develop cavities or other severe tooth problems from your lack of mobility while cleaning your teeth.

Remember, visiting your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups is essential to your oral health, now more than ever. Consider stopping by your dentist's office to find out if you're neglecting any parts of your mouth now that you can only use one hand. That will help you to understand where you need to focus your attention and improve your overall oral health.  


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