Self-care of the oral cavity is possible for patients with limited manual dexterity, provided that oral care products are available to use.
A team of researchers from several universities in India has developed a method for making a custom removable handle for dentifrices for patients with limited manual dexterity. The 3D-printed pen provides cost-saving benefits and can improve the oral health and quality of life of patients with limited hand and finger movements, such as stroke survivors, elderly patients, and people with arthritis.
A technical report summarizing the results of the study explains that patients with reduced manual dexterity face greater challenges when it comes to maintaining oral health, and that these challenges can be exacerbated by impaired sensory and masticatory function. Self-care of the oral cavity can empower these patients and prevent the occurrence of oral diseases; however, it is important that oral care products are easy to use.
Using 3D printing, researchers in India have developed a custom and interchangeable brushing handle for patients with limited manual dexterity.
A simple technique in which silicone impressions are hand-made from a patient's arm and then used to 3D print a custom handgrip. The pen is engraved with the patient's name, is durable and costs approximately INR 2,500 (€31). This technique is simple and less time consuming than other methods. The handle can be used interchangeably to hold a toothbrush or interdental brush and is reusable with different toothbrush designs and is therefore cost effective.
Modifications of such handles are already mentioned in the specialized literature; however, the researchers emphasized the need to adapt the modified handles specifically to the patient's hand.
Corresponding author Dr. Shreya Kolvenkar, professor in the Department of Prosthodontics at the MNR College of Dentistry and Hospital Sangareddy, said that 3D-printed custom two-in-one handles will improve the oral health of patients with limited manual dexterity. The elderly and other patients with limited finger and hand movements need extra help to maintain good oral health, and being able to do this on your own reduces dependency on others and gives you a sense of empowerment. “Of course, there are caregivers around these people in this situation and they can help, but maintaining your own oral hygiene by brushing your own teeth can increase patients' self-esteem,” she explained, adding that it is very important to create a handle design when which the handle fits correctly in the patient's hand to improve the quality of brushing.
Dr. Kolvenkar said the research team is expecting interest from manufacturers in the hope that such a pen will be affordable and benefit the public.