Oral Health Tips for the Disabled

Tools and Tips that Can Help the Disabled

Unbelievably, dental benefits are not included in Medicare and Medicaid, the two types of medical coverage most often used by disabled adults. With that in mind, it is also important to note affordable dental coverage is very hard to find in almost every state across the country. That being said, having proper at-home dental care is a key component in avoiding dental issues that could cost someone hundreds or even thousands of dollars to have remedied without the help of dental insurance.

Basic Oral Hygiene

For disabled adults, and everyone else, it is very important to practice the basic steps of oral hygiene to help keep teeth and gums healthy. Brushing twice a day and making sure to do it in the proper fashion is very important, as is flossing on a regular basis to make sure food and debris stuck between teeth does not cause tooth decay or other issues. For those disabled individuals with limited use of their hands, there are a number of products on the market to help them accomplish these hygiene tasks.

Mouth-Friendly Diet

In addition to making sure to brush and floss on a daily basis, it is also important for disabled adults to understand what they eat has a large impact on their oral health. Sugary foods like candies, cakes, soda, and other sweets will leave sugar behind on the teeth. When sugar combines with bacteria found in the mouth, it will create an acid that causes tooth decay. While it is okay to indulge every once and a while, it is important to drink plenty of water to help wash away some of the sugars from these foods between brushing – not to mention, fluoridated water helps promote healthy teeth.

Research New Techniques

For many disabled individuals, doing everyday tasks like brushing their teeth or flossing can be difficult. While it may seem impossible based on their disability or range of motion to be able to complete these tasks, there is generally always a creative way to overcome some of these issues. For those who are having problems, some simple research into different brushing and flossing techniques may reveal a new way to get the job done. Additionally, visiting a dentist and asking for assistance or new techniques can help to produce amazing results – plus, visiting the dentist regularly is always a good idea.

If you need to schedule a dental visit but lack insurance, the Wellness Dental Plan can help. We offer as much as 20 percent off all emergency and preventive care visits. For more information about this New Hampshire discount dental plan , click here.

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