Dental study in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Twenty-one patients with rheumatoid arthritis took part in a comparison of three toothbrushes, each used for one month in a randomized trial. The three toothbrushes were a conventional toothbrush with modified handle to allow ease of gripping, an electric toothbrush, and thirdly a finger-stall attached to a normal toothbrush. There was no change in the patients' rheumatoid status during the trial. The patients were scored for plaque and gingival changes but no difference was found between the three toothbrushes. We recommend a standard toothbrush with a modified grip for the rheumatoid hand; the extra expense of an electric toothbrush cannot be justified.