Tips for oral hygiene care if you are blind or have low vision

Although you've likely maintained a good oral hygiene routine throughout your life, adult-onset vision loss can make it difficult to do the "little things" that are the basic components of any toothbrushing routine. Here are some everyday tips and techniques to help with applying toothpaste to your brush and keeping track of the toothpaste cap.

Some Adaptations for the Task

• Place your free hand over the top of the faucet to serve as a point of reference. This will help you to avoid hitting the faucet or emptying your mouth over it.
• Place the toothbrush on a contrasting washcloth for added visibility when dispensing toothpaste.


Place toothbrush on contrasting washcloth

• If you have low vision, use brightly colored or striped toothpaste that contrasts with the toothbrush bristles.

Keeping Track of the Toothpaste Cap

• Stand it on end to prevent it from rolling away.
• Hold the cap in your hand or keep it in your pocket.
• Purchase toothpaste with a hinged cap.
• Always try to place the toothpaste cap in a memorable location.

Options for Dispensing Toothpaste

• Hold the toothbrush bristles between your index finger and your thumb to serve as a guide for toothpaste application.


Hold toothbrush bristles between your index finger and thumb to serve as a guide

• Squeeze the toothpaste into your palm and scoop it out with the toothbrush bristles.


Dispense toothpaste in your palm and then scoop it out with the toothbrush

• Squeeze the toothpaste into a one-ounce medicine cup and scoop it out with the toothbrush bristles.
• Squeeze the toothpaste on to your finger and transfer it to your mouth.
• Squeeze the toothpaste directly into your mouth from the dispenser. (Recommended only if no other persons share the toothpaste dispenser!)

Additional Resources for Personal Care

• If you would like additional instruction in oral hygiene techniques or other areas of personal self-care, you can contact a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist. See Vision Rehabilitation Services [1] on this web site for more information.
• Find Vision Rehabilitation Services [2]
• Sources of Products for Independent Living [3]