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EULAR 2014: Scientific Abstracts
Abstracts accepted for publication. Osteoarthritis
AB0785 Use and Interest of the Toothbrush and Its Innovative Ergonomic Handle in Persons with Gripping Difficulties
  1. L. Grange1,2,3,
  2. J.N. Dachicourt3,
  3. I. Constanty4,
  4. J.P. Gatignol5
  1. 1Grepi_Fre-3405 AGIM UJF-CNRS, CHU Grenoble, Grenoble
  2. 2University Clinic for Rheumatology, Locomotion, Rehabilitation Cluster, CHU Grenoble/Hopital Sud, Echirolles
  3. 3AFLAR, Paris
  4. 4Santé Market Research Manager
  5. 5Medical Officer, Pierre Fabre Sante, Castres, France

Abstract

Background The impairment of hands and wrists found in certain rheumatic disorders may limit the gripping of oral hygiene instruments, thereby making brushing more difficult and possibly impacting oral health (caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, etc.).

Objectives To assess the interest of the INAVA SYSTEM ergonomic toothbrush.

Methods A national observational study proposed to 2705 people with gripping difficulties who are or used to be members of an association against rheumatism (Association Française de Lutte Anti-Rhumatismale, AFLAR). After giving their consent, 126 people (75% women) used the INAVA SYSTEM toothbrush for 7 days. Of the 126 people surveyed, 109 of them completed two questionnaires on satisfaction and ergonomic efficacy before/after using the tested system.

Results Upon entry in the study, nearly 61% of the people brushed their teeth 1 to 2 times per day and 38% brushed their teeth 3 times per day. Gripping issues resulted in difficulties in accessing certain brushing areas in 68% of cases and limited the duration of brushing for 66% of them. These issues led 29% of patients to look for a solution that improves gripping, such as extending or thickening the toothbrush handle, opting for an electric toothbrush, or even using both hands simultaneously to brush one's teeth. After 7 days of use of the INAVA SYSTEM toothbrush, patients gave an average overall evaluation mark of 8/10. In about 75% of cases, long last tooth brushing has been achieved by the INAVA SYSTEM, especially in patients limited by their gripping difficulties (86%). Sixty-five percent (65%) of respondents also indicated that the system has increased the accessibility in the oral cavity.

Conclusions The use of the INAVA system in people with gripping difficulties had a positive impact on oral hygiene in terms of brushing duration and accessibility to dental surfaces. These two parameters are essential for the control of dental plaque which causes caries and gum diseases. In addition, 79% of respondents are convinced by the INAVA SYSTEM toothbrush and want to extend the experiment.

Disclosure of Interest L. Grange: None declared, J.N. Dachicourt: None declared, I. Constanty: Employee of: Pierre Fabre Santé, J.P. Gatignol Employee of: Pierre Fabre Santé

DOI 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.1257

https://doi.org/10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.1257

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