Oral health for people with disabilities

The challenges

People with physical disabilities, such as hand weakness, lack of coordination or mobility problems, may find it difficult to perform the movements required for thorough and effective brushing. This can lead to plaque build-up, tooth decay and gum disease.   
In addition to these physical challenges, there are also mental and cognitive challenges. Difficulties in understanding or cognitive impairments can make it difficult to maintain a regular and thorough brushing routine. Fears and anxieties can also present additional obstacles.

It is often difficult for people with disabilities to find a dental clinic that can cater to their special needs. Difficulties with transport, access to the clinic or communicating with dentists are other potential challenges.

Possible solutions

Oral health is an important part of quality of life and general health. People with Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis in particular face special challenges, but with the right aids and appropriate support, it is possible to maintain oral health and ensure a high quality of life. We have summarised some tips for you below:

• Collaboration with professionals: It is important to work with dentists who specialise in the treatment of people with disabilities to ensure appropriate treatment. 
• Regular visits to the dentist: More frequent visits to the dentist can help to recognise and treat problems at an early stage. 
• Open communication with the dentist: It is crucial to discuss the specific challenges with the dentist and find solutions that meet individual needs. 
• Stick to a routine: Creating a regular and customised oral care routine that is adapted to the abilities and personal needs of the disabled person. 
• Support from carers or family members: In cases where independent brushing is not possible, the help of a carer or family member can be crucial. 

What is Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease is a disorder of the central nervous system characterised by tremors, movement difficulties and instability. People with Parkinson's face particular challenges when it comes to oral hygiene, especially when brushing their teeth. The ability to perform precise and delicate movements is impaired, which can affect the quality of tooth brushing and overall oral health. Below you will find an overview of the special challenges that people with Parkinson's have to overcome:

Tremors and lack of motor control


The most common symptom of Parkinson's disease is tremor, which makes it difficult to grasp and move the toothbrush. This can result in people with Parkinson's not being able to clean their teeth thoroughly and evenly in all areas of the mouth.

Difficulties with fine movements


Difficulties with movement and coordination can make brushing teeth more difficult. Those affected are often unable to perform the fine movements required to brush their teeth thoroughly.

Difficulties in maintaining the toothbrushing routine


Parkinson's disease can also impair memory and cognitive abilities, making it even more difficult to maintain a regular brushing routine.

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system characterised by damage to the myelin sheath that surrounds the nerves. It is a chronic disease that can affect various aspects of daily life, including oral and dental health. Awareness of the specific oral hygiene challenges faced by people with multiple sclerosis is essential to ensure a better quality of life.

Difficulties in performing fine movements

People with multiple sclerosis can have difficulty performing fine movements, such as those required when brushing their teeth. 

Pain and sensitivity disorders


Pain, sensory disturbances or hypersensitivity in the mouth can make brushing and flossing difficult. 

Dealing with medication


Certain medications used to treat multiple sclerosis can cause side effects such as dry mouth , which can increase the risk of tooth decay and gingivitis

Children with special needs

Parents of children with disabilities face particular challenges when it comes to caring for their children's teeth. This requires patience, understanding and sometimes creativity. To make this important daily routine more pleasant and effective for children and parents, we have put together four practical tips:

Rewards for brushing teeth

Children love rewards and can be motivated to brush their teeth as a result. It is best to set up a reward system where the child can choose from a range of options after successfully brushing their teeth. This could be a sticker, extra playtime or a bedtime story. It is important that the reward is something that the child likes and looks forward to.

Include stories

Turn tooth brushing into an exciting fairytale lesson. For example, tell the child that they are hunting for " the sugar bacteria" in their mouth and have to search in every nook and cranny. This turns brushing teeth into a fun and imaginative game and encourages the child to brush in all the important places in the mouth.

Start slowly

Children with disabilities can find it difficult to concentrate for long periods of time. Therefore, start with a short brushing time and gradually increase the duration. This allows the child to get used to the process and is less stressed by the short brushing time.

"Delicious" toothpaste

Sometimes the flavour of toothpaste can be off-putting for children. Let the child choose their own favourite toothpaste flavour. This could be a fruity flavour or a mild mint flavour - for example Curaprox children's toothpaste with watermelon flavour. If the child is allowed to choose the toothpaste themselves, brushing their teeth is much more fun and not just a chore.

For children aged 13 and over and adults, we recommend the Samba toothbrush from Curaprox, which makes it easy for children to brush their teeth without having to concentrate or perform difficult movements. If you have previously brushed your child's teeth, Samba will not only make your job easier and clean teeth more efficiently, but will also give your child a large portion of independence.

You can test the Samba toothbrush risk-free for 60 days and get your money back if you find that the solution is not right for your child.

Visiting the dentist with a child with special needs

Taking a child with special needs to the dentist can be an uncomfortable experience for both the child and the parents. The unfamiliar surroundings, frightening noises and uncomfortable treatments can be challenging for children who are sensitive to sensory stimuli or have communication difficulties or other special needs. However, with the right preparation and approach, a visit to the dentist can become a manageable part of preventative healthcare. Below are some strategies to make these visits more manageable.

Find the right dentist: Look for a dentist who has experience treating children with special needs. For example, you can ask the child's GP, support groups or other parents for recommendations. Once you have found the right dentist, make an appointment to discuss your child's needs, concerns and any necessary adjustments to the examination and treatment.

Preparing for the visit to the dentist

Prepare the child for the visit to the dentist by explaining what will happen in simple, reassuring terms with the help of picture books or videos. Children are more relaxed when they know exactly what to expect. You can also pack this into a nice story in which you go through the visit to the dentist step by step.

Arrange a familiarisation appointment

If possible, you should arrange a visit to the dental practice with your child before the actual appointment. If the child can explore the waiting room, get to know the dentist and sit in the dentist's chair without the pressure of an examination, the actual visit to the dentist is only half as bad.

Create an atmosphere that is as pleasant as possible

Arrange the appointment at the time of day when the child is usually calmest and most co-operative. Make sure the child feels as comfortable as possible: Bring things that calm the child, e.g. a favourite toy, a blanket or headphones with music or a calming audio game.

Reward positive behaviour

Praise the child for their bravery after the visit, regardless of how the visit went. You can also set up a reward system or offer a small treat as encouragement for future visits.

Remember that each child is individual and what works for one child may not work for another. It may take several visits to find a routine that works. Be patient and maintain close contact with the dentist so that the child's dental visits go as smoothly and stress-free as possible. With consistency and the right approach, dental care can become a manageable part of your child's life over time.

Old people

For older people, oral hygiene not only affects their appearance and well-being, but also has a major impact on their general health. Inefficient brushing can lead to many problems that can affect quality of life and jeopardise health. Understanding the particular challenges of this age and using suitable aids can help to overcome these challenges.

Challenges when brushing the teeth of older people

There are a number of factors that can make it difficult for older people to brush their teeth effectively:

• Physical weakness and limited mobility: Tiredness, weakness or limited hand function can make the physical act of brushing your teeth a challenge. 
• Chronic diseases: Diseases such as arthritis, Parkinson's or other neurological disorders can impair the fine motor skills required for brushing teeth. 
• Vision problems: Reduced vision can make it difficult to recognise food debris or plaque between the teeth. 
• Sensory disturbances: Changes in the sense of touch can mean that those affected no longer know how to move the toothbrush.

Dangers due to inefficient brushing

Inefficient brushing can lead to a variety of problems, including

• Inflammation of the gums and oral diseases: The accumulation of plaque and bacteria can cause inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), which can lead to pain and, if it develops into periodontitis , even to tooth loss. 
• Tooth decay: Insufficient tooth brushing can increase the risk of tooth decay and the need for dental treatment. 
• Risks to general health: Oral diseases can affect general health, including an increased risk of heart disease and inflammation. 

Solutions and coping

The Samba toothbrush from Curaprox, which was specially developed for older people, is the first toothbrush to offer a comprehensive solution to these problems:

• Effortless brushing: With the Samba toothbrush, older people no longer have to move their hand while brushing their teeth, but simply hold the toothbrush. The toothbrush is programmed to alternate between fast and slow movements.
• Reduced brushing time: As 36 tooth surfaces are brushed simultaneously instead of one tooth at a time as with a conventional toothbrush, the brushing time is reduced to just 30 seconds per jaw. 
• Comfortable handle: The brush handle is designed to fit comfortably and securely in the hand and is also suitable for people with hand weakness or arthritis. 

With Samba, it is possible to overcome the special dental care challenges faced by older people and maintain their oral health efficiently and comfortably. Seniors can continue to carry out their oral hygiene independently and enjoy a high quality of life. 

The connection between oral health and general health

Oral health is not just about maintaining a beautiful smile or fresh breath, it also has a significant impact on our overall health. Numerous studies point to a direct link between oral problems and various physical illnesses. Below you will find an overview of some of the most important aspects:

Heart and kidney health 

Gum inflammation, one of the most common oral health problems, can lead to an increased risk of heart disease. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation in the heart and kidney system.

Diabetes 

There is a close link between diabetes and gum disease. Inflammation of the gums, also known as gingivitis, can exacerbate diabetes and make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels. Conversely, diabetes can increase the risk of developing gingivitis.

Pregnancy 

Pregnant women with gingivitis have an increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight babies. Oral health care can be an important part of medical care during pregnancy.

Infections and other diseases 

Bacteria from the mouth can reach various systems in the body and cause infection and inflammation. Inflammation of the gums is also associated with lung diseases such as pneumonia and bronchitis.

Effects on general well-being 

Oral health is part of our general health. Pain, inflammation and tooth loss can severely impair eating, speaking and self-confidence and reduce quality of life.

Maintaining good oral health is not just a question of aesthetics, but an essential part of general health. Regular visits to the dentist, thorough tooth brushing and the use of interdental brushes or dental floss are part of a good dental care routine and very important for maintaining our health.

Foods to avoid for better oral health 

Maintaining oral health is an important part of a high quality of life, especially for people with disabilities who may have difficulty with proper oral hygiene. An important part of fighting oral disease is a balanced diet. Below we have listed five foods that should be avoided from the diet:

Sweetened and sugary drinks 

Sugary drinks, including sweet juices and soft drinks, contain large amounts of sugar, which is a favourite food for harmful bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria produce acid, which attacks the teeth and can lead to tooth decay. For people with disabilities who have difficulty brushing their teeth, the risk of damage from these types of drinks is even greater.

Sticky sweets 

Sticky sweets such as chewy sweets, gummy bears and caramel stick to the teeth and provide a constant source of sugar for harmful oral bacteria. This increases the risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease. It is especially important for children with disabilities who have difficulty with thorough oral hygiene to avoid these sweets.

Salty and starchy snacks 

Snacks such as crisps and pretzels contain a high proportion of starch, which is converted into sugar by oral bacteria. This can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Children with disabilities in particular, who have difficulty brushing their teeth, should limit their consumption of these snacks.

Acidic foods 

Acidic foods such as lemons and tomato sauce contain acids that attack the minerals that make up the teeth and can lead to tooth erosion. For people with disabilities who have difficulty brushing their teeth thoroughly, it is important to limit their intake of acidic foods.

Alcohol 

Excessive alcohol consumption can dry out the mouth and reduce the flow of saliva, which plays a key role in cleaning the mouth of plaque and bacteria. In addition, some alcoholic drinks contain high levels of sugar or acids. For people with disabilities who have difficulty with oral hygiene, it is important to minimise alcohol consumption. 

Ultimately, eating a balanced diet and avoiding foods that are detrimental to oral health is an important part of maintaining oral health.

Delicious foods that don't harm your teeth 

Even if many tasty foods are on the no-go list, it doesn't mean that the diet for people with disabilities has to look dull. There are numerous foods that are both healthy for the teeth and delicious:

Cheese

Cheese is an excellent source of calcium, which strengthens teeth and bones. It also helps to balance the pH value in the mouth, which reduces the risk of tooth decay. The protein contained in cheese also helps to protect the dental system.

Apples

Apples are also known as "nature's toothbrush" and contain fibre that helps to clean teeth and remove food debris. They also stimulate saliva production in the mouth - a process that provides natural protection for our teeth.

Carrots

Carrots are rich in vitamin A and therefore help to maintain gum tissue. Eating raw carrots helps to clean the teeth, stimulates saliva production and provides a sweet and fresh flavour.

Green tea

Green tea contains antioxidants that help fight bacteria and prevent gum inflammation. It can also reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, green tea helps to maintain fresh breath.