Electric toothbrushes usually have enlarged handles and require little or no arm or wrist movement to use. Today's older adults did not have the benefit of fluorinated water supplies when they were children. Yet, applying topical fluoride compounds to erupted teeth enhances the benefits from systemic fluorides in both children and adults. Periodic applications should be supplemented by daily use of a fluoride-containing dentifrice. There is no evidence that fluoride use at recommended doses is dangerous.
Dental floss is the basic instrument for removal of plaque from between the teeth.
Older adults with impaired manual dexterity may find the use of a floss holder to be helpful. However, there are drawbacks to this device, and individual instruction in its use is recommended. Certain mouthwashes or rinses may be beneficial to the individual's oral health, whereas others may be detrimental, may exacerbate existing pathologic conditions, or may have no effect at all. It is important for the dental professional to determine what if any rinse a person needs to use. Their effects are transient, yet they do succeed in disguising the underlying cause of bad breath, which then may not be attended to properly.