What about attaching the toothbrush to the wall, and then brushing your
teeth by bringing your teeth to the toothbrush, instead of the other
way around.  You could have four toothbrushes fixed to a wall or the
edge of a countertop.  One with the bristles facing sideways left, the
other with the bristles facing sideways right, the other with the
bristles facing up and the other with the bristles facing downward.
Put them above the floor at mouth level, and put toothpaste on them.
Then, open your mouth and try to gently move your head towards and away
from the tooth brushes such that the brushes contact the teeth and
brush them.

Tried it, doesn't work  -- Dave

How about resting your elbows on the counter (while you sit on the toilet or
a stool) if your elbows are supported perhaps the tremor will be controlled.

I think so too.  In the UK a physio or occupational therapist would
come up with a solution.  It may be that a brush with a larger handle
or some other adaptation would help but nobody can really know without
seeing the problem.

Ann

    As a dentist, I would like to see you brushing your teeth, and see if I
can see where the difficulty is.  I'm inclined to think a physical
therapist or occupational therapist could help.

Steve

I really don't know. What I end up doing is brushing one quadrant, take
a break, go back and do more, etc. It seems like I have the most trouble
brushing my front teeth. I wonder if part of it might be that I try so
hard to relax beforehand that somehow it makes the tremor worse.

Dave

    I'm confused.  Are you saying that you spend 30 seconds per quadrant,
but you feel it would take an hour to do a good job?  Is this an
intention tremor?  I cannot understand why you can shave so quickly but
cannot brush even with a mechanical brush.  Maybe you can elaborate on
what part of the brushing motion seems to evoke the tremor.  Better, it
would help to demonstrate your technique to your dentist, who may well
have some ideas on how to make things less stressful.

Steve

Hi all, I am 22 and have Cerebral Palsy. I notice when I brush my teeth,
my arms shake uncontrollably and it takes me about an hour to do a good
job brushing my teeth. I am in school and quite frankly don't have time
to spend this long brushing. If I am in a hurry, I have a friend or
family member help me (if any are around). I do use an electric
toothbrush and that doesn't seem to help. I've had check ups by 2 or 3
doctors and they all say I'm perfectly healthy. They've suggested muscle
relaxers, which I want to avoid. I don't understand the problem as I can
shave in 5 minutes or less. I try to spend 30 seconds on each quadrant,
but don't know if that's too much or not. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks.
Dave