Arthritis can be a troubling condition that could make everyday tasks difficult, such as brushing your teeth. The following guide will help you brush your teeth and show you why it is important to keep your oral health in good condition.

Gum Disease Risk and Arthritis

You might not have known that your oral health could be connected to arthritis. But a study showed that a particular bacterium called porphyromonas gingivitis (that invades your body with gum disease) could worsen your arthritis. The reason is that your body attacks the bacterium's enzymes by causing inflammation in your gums. This constant inflammation damages ligaments and other cartilage tissue within your body, making your arthritis worse.

Now you may want to know what to look for to help prevent the damaging effects of gum disease.

Signs of Gum Disease & Improving Your Oral Health

  • Red swollen or tender gums with some pain
  • Bleeding gums
  • Receding gums
  • Loose teeth or teeth 
  • Pus between your teeth
  • Inexplicable sores in your mouth
  • Halitosis

Be sure to talk to your dentist if you suspect that you have gum disease or if you notice any of the aforementioned signs.You can also consider the following to help improve your oral health:

Prescription Strength Toothpaste

Talk to your dentist to see if you need a prescription strength toothpaste and mouthwash, which usually contain more fluoride than the commercially readily available.

Diet Changes

You can try to change your diet to stop oral pathogens from attacking your teeth. One thing you can do is avoid refined sugars or carbohydrates. And you can add more cavity-killing foods, like cinnamon (or cinnamon oil) or raw honey to your diet to help your mouth stay healthy.

Tips To Help You Brush Your Teeth

Brushing your teeth with arthritis might force you to ask a family member or your home health care provider for help, but you may want to try this on your own. Consider the following, which should make brushing your teeth a bit easier:

Electric Brush

The first thing you might have to consider is switching from a regular toothbrush to an electric toothbrush that does not require too much strength.

Disability Assisting Devices

Another thing you can consider is independent assisting devices that may help you hold your electric brush instead of straining your hand. You can find such devices in disability assisting tool stores or online.

There you go, just a few ways to help your oral health and brush your teeth, even with arthritis. For more information, talk to a professional like Dr. Robert Petrtyl.

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