Electric toothbrushes really do take some of the effort out of it, I agree. I started using one after some arthritis set in and it’s made a difference—especially at night when my hands are tired. I still have to push myself sometimes, though. One thing that’s helped me is keeping a glass of water and my brush right by the bed, so if I’m really wiped out, I can sit on the edge and get it done without heading back to the bathroom. Flossing, I admit, gets skipped more than it should... I’ve tried those little floss picks but they end up scattered everywhere. Still working on that part.
I get wanting to make brushing as easy as possible, especially when your hands aren’t cooperating. But I do wonder about brushing outside the bathroom—sometimes folks end up not rinsing thoroughly, or the brush doesn’t get cleaned well after. I’ve seen a few cases where people left their brushes by the bed and they picked up dust or even mold over time. If it works for you, that’s great, but maybe just double-check it stays clean? As for flossing, those little picks drive me nuts too—they’re convenient but they seem to vanish into couch cushions at my place... Have you tried the soft rubber “gum stimulators”? Some of my patients like those since they’re easier to grip and less fiddly than traditional floss.
I do wonder about brushing outside the bathroom—sometimes folks end up not rinsing thoroughly, or the brush doesn’t get cleaned well after. I’ve seen a few cases where people left their brushes by the bed and they picked up dust or even mold over time.
I get what you’re saying about the brush picking up dust if you leave it out, but honestly, when my arthritis is acting up, I’ll take whatever makes brushing happen—even if that means keeping a second toothbrush by my recliner. I just stash it in a ziplock bag and swap it out every week or so. Might not be dentist-approved, but it beats not brushing at all.
On those days when getting to the bathroom feels like a marathon, I’d rather risk a bit of dust than skip it. I do try to rinse the brush with a water bottle if I’m not near a sink. As for those rubber gum things, I’ve tried them, but my hands still cramp up. The little floss picks are easier for me, even though they disappear into the couch like you said. Funny how they do that... Maybe there’s just no perfect solution when your hands don’t work like they used to.
I just stash it in a ziplock bag and swap it out every week or so. Might not be dentist-approved, but it beats not brushing at all.
That’s actually pretty clever—using a ziplock is a practical workaround when mobility’s an issue. I totally get what you mean about prioritizing *some* brushing over none, especially when pain or fatigue hits hard. I’ve had days where even getting to the bathroom felt like too much, so I’d use one of those battery-powered travel brushes right in bed. They’re not fancy, but they vibrate enough to help with plaque if my hands are stiff.
I hear you on floss picks too. I swear mine migrate under the furniture on purpose... Never found a perfect system either, but I started keeping a little container for them next to my tablet charger. Not exactly high-tech, but it helps.
If anyone’s worried about germs, UV toothbrush sanitizers are surprisingly cheap now. I tried one last winter and it gave me some peace of mind when I couldn’t rinse as thoroughly. Doesn’t solve everything, but every bit helps when you’re just trying to keep up.
Ziplock bag hack is genius, honestly. I’m all for anything that doesn’t cost extra and keeps things a bit less gross. I’ve tried those UV sanitizers, but my wallet was not a fan. Mostly, I just rinse with mouthwash if I’m too wiped to brush. Not perfect, but hey, it’s something. Floss picks? I swear mine go missing like socks in the dryer...