Electric toothbrushes can be an incredibly helpful tool in keeping your teeth and gums healthy, but they must be used correctly. Without proper usage, you could potentially do more harm than good with them. Fortunately, with some practice you’ll be able to make your electric brush work for you and get great results.
How to Use an Electric Toothbrush
The primary distinction between an electric and manual toothbrush is their speed of brushing motions. Electric brushes rotate quickly in circular patterns to break up plaque and tartar more effectively than manual brushes can. Some models even come equipped with specialized features like timers or pressure sensors so you can brush more efficiently for the recommended amount of time.
Choosing the Appropriate Toothbrush
When shopping for an electric toothbrush, look for one with a white body and clear display. Furthermore, look for models with extended battery life and convenient charger. Before making your purchase, consult your dentist or orthodontist about what type of brush would best meet your needs.
How to Properly Position the Head of an Electric Toothbrush
When using an electric toothbrush, position its head at a 45-degree angle towards your gum line. This ensures that its bristles reach all hard-to-reach places and provides optimal cleaning of teeth and gums.
Start at the top left corner of your mouth and work down towards the bottom right, spending two minutes per side. Don’t forget to focus on cleaning both outer and inner surfaces of each tooth as well as its chewing surface.
Once you’ve brushed all your teeth, rinse the brush head with water and allow it to air-dry. Doing this helps guarantee that the bristles are free of toothpaste residue which could lead to plaque buildup.
It is recommended to replace your electric toothbrush brush heads every three to four months or whenever they appear frayed or matted. Not doing so can cause them to wear down more rapidly and may lead to cracking if not addressed promptly.
How to Utilize Sensors on an Electric Toothbrush
Electric toothbrushes offer the primary advantage of being able to detect when you’re brushing too hard and provide you with a gentle burst of electricity as a reminder to slow down. Some higher-end rechargeable electric toothbrushes even feature pressure sensors so that you can choose which sensitivity level works best for you and protect your gums or enamel from being damaged.
Depending on the brand, you can find models with various brushing modes to clean your teeth and tongue for whitening purposes, as well as those designed to help reduce sensitive teeth.
Before using an electric toothbrush, be sure to charge it first. Some models come with travel cases so you can take your brush on-the-go with you. Alternatively, you may purchase a portable charger that plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter for convenient on-the-go charging.
If you are due for a dental teeth cleaning and are in the Phoenix or Scottsdale metro nearby areas contact Studio B Smiles to schedule an appointment.
