Restoring Oral Hygiene Autonomy Through a Customized Toothbrush Handle in a Patient With Rheumatoid Arthritis and...

Early identification of functional limitations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and fibromyalgia (FM) is essential, as chronic joint pain and reduced dexterity often impair basic oral hygiene practices. This case highlights a simple, cost-effective, and reproducible intervention using a customized soft putty toothbrush handle fabricated chairside and molded directly to the patient's grip. A 27-year-old male with longstanding RA and FM, and a history of smoking, presented with poor plaque control and brushing-associated pain. Following the chairside fabrication of an adaptive handle individually shaped to his grasp, plaque index improved dramatically from 91% to 15% within four months, with a corresponding reduction in discomfort from a VAS score of 5 to 1. This personalized ergonomic solution significantly improved brushing efficiency, comfort, and self-care independence, underscoring the importance of tailored oral hygiene aids in medically compromised populations.