Susan Tribe January 22, 2023 Dental
Experts agree that an electric toothbrush is the best tool to keep your teeth in the best possible condition, but knowing how to use an electric toothbrush correctly is a little less simple – too many people tend to miss spots, leave gaps, brush too hard or make other errors.
To help you polish your pearly whites to perfection, we have put together all you need to know about using an electric toothbrush – read on to transform your teeth!
Table Of Contents
- 1 How To Use An Electric Toothbrush
- 1.1 Common Mistakes
- 2 Electric Toothbrush Benefits
- 3 Conclusion
How To Use An Electric Toothbrush
We have a few top tips to ensure that you understand how to use an electric toothbrush, and make the most of your brushing time.
- Choose The Right Brush
The first stage is to choose the right brush for your needs and, according to most experts, this is an oscillating style brush. These work by rotating around the tooth, and so do a good job of removing debris from every part of the tooth, rather than just the chewing surface or obvious spots. We have also reviewed the best models, which you can check out here.
- Use The Right Brushing Technique
The next important element is to make sure that you are using the right brushing technique. Start by using a cup to rinse your mouth, and then spit this into the sink – this step will remove any excess residue and food particles from the mouth.
Next, add toothpaste to the brush head and slowly begin brushing your teeth. Depending on your model, you may have alerts and signals to help direct you to the right place to brush. Divide your mouth into quadrants and move the brush head slowly across the surface of the teeth. Take care to brush the outside surfaces, the biting surfaces and the inside surfaces.
It is important to take care when brushing gums – the best brushes will include pressure sensors to reduce damage and injury.
- Remember To Floss
As well as brushing your teeth properly, you should also remember to floss – this will allow you to remove debris and residue, while brushing is important for removing plaque and tartar buildup. You can use tape floss for this or a water flosser (see here).
The most important thing to ensure is that you floss once a day and, according to most experts, the evening is the best time to remove debris from the day. This is particularly important if you are wearing braces!
Common Mistakes
It is also important to understand the most common mistakes made when brushing teeth – this will help you to maintain healthy teeth. Some of the most common errors include:
- Brushing Too Hard
One of the most common mistakes made is to brush your teeth too hard – this can cause damage to the tooth surface and the enamel, and this increases the risk of developing sensitive teeth. Brushing the gum line too hard can also cause damage, so be gentle.
- Not Changing Brush Heads
It is also important to change your brush head regularly – this is a factor that is all too often overlooked. Over time, brush heads of electric toothbrushes can collect grime and bacteria, and this is then transferred to your teeth when you brush. Changing brush heads and cleaning your brush are therefore important.
- Not Brushing For Long Enough
Another common mistake is failing to brush for long enough. According to experts, you should brush for 2 minutes each time you brush for the best results. To help, opt for an electric brush that includes a timer – this will automatically beep when the time is up, and some will even indicate how long to brush each section of the mouth for.
Always remember to brush your tongue as well as your teeth – this is all too often overlooked!
Electric Toothbrush Benefits
So, just what are the benefits of electric toothbrushes over a manual toothbrush? Some of the main advantages include:
- Use With Braces
Electric toothbrushes can be used with braces and other orthodontic tools without issue, and this is important for keeping your teeth healthy and strong, even when you are undergoing orthodontic treatment.
- More Effective At Removing Plaque
According to experts, electric toothbrushes do a better job of getting rid of plaque than manual toothbrushes, and this includes removing debris and buildup from the gum line as well as chewing surfaces. While a manual toothbrush will remove surface debris, electric brushes remove a greater amount and offer the best results.
- Easier To Time
As we mentioned, knowing how long to brush with a manual brush can be tricky, and it is easy to brush for too short a time. An electric model, on the other hand, usually includes a timer which makes it easier to brush according to the experts’ recommendations.
Conclusion
Knowing how to use an electric toothbrush properly will ensure that your teeth stay in the best condition for longer, and will also extend the lifespan of your brush. With regular care and proper application, your electric toothbrush can transform your oral hygiene, and improve your overall health and wellbeing.
About the Author: Susan Tribe
My career as a Dental Hygienist started in 1982, when I earnt my certificate for Dental Surgery Assistant at the London Hospital Dental Institute, before going on to qualify as a Dental Hygienist in 1984. Since then I have gained 35 years of experience, as well as a recognized Further Education Teaching Certificate. I am passionate about promoting dental education, and I am now enjoying writing these articles to share with you! View my: Bio & LinkedIn profiles.
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