Oral Tools
Gotta Keep 'um Clean
The goal of this resource tip is to give you a bunch of information without sounding neurotic and obsessed. This might be true, but I don’t want to sound like it. So here goes…
Introducing the must-have trio of products that make the Parkinson's mouth happy:
This great new tool for flossing from T. Smile, simply called a dental flosser. Most flossing tools make you move the position of your hand this one has detachable floss heads that are shaped like a fork and allow you to approach the tooth head on without moving your stiff hand sideways. It sounds silly and minor but oh to floss easily!! It's the little things.
Next up is the "biotene” line of products. These items are meant to treat dry mouth. This is a common problem with Parkinson's disease as it is a side effect of several medications and the reduced mouth movement and gland productivity. Not only is this very uncomfortable and can negatively affect speech, but it also encourages tooth decay, which is a problem to avoid. I use the toothpaste and oral rinse daily and have the spray in my purse for as needed emergency moisture. What a difference! After a couple months of daily use, my dry mouth is not an issue anymore, what a relief. I highly recommend this product.
Last but not least is the WaterPik. After brushing and flossing, think your mouth is clean? Use the WaterPik and you will see that it is not! Truly amazing what a little stream of water at the gum line can do. It finds all the nooks and crannies that hold food particles hostage. I challenge you to try it – you will be using it daily, or several times a week at least.
I sound a little too involved with oral hygiene. This may be a little true, but it's good to have good obsessions. Actually, with all that we deal with having Parkinson's disease, the last thing we need is dental problems on top of everything.
So… Happy cleaning!
Here are the links to the products I mentioned.
