An electric toothbrush can be a great addition to your oral care routine. Not only do they clean your teeth more effectively than a manual brush, but they can also help to remove plaque and bacteria from your gums. Electric toothbrushes are especially useful for those who have braces or other dental appliances, as they can help to reach areas that are difficult to clean with a manual brush. When shopping for an electric toothbrush, remember that there are excellent options online.
How To Use An Electric Toothbrush
Using an electric toothbrush is very similar to brushing your teeth with a manual brush. The main difference is that you will need to charge the toothbrush’s battery before use. Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to use an electric toothbrush:
- Wet your toothbrush head and put toothpaste on the bristles.
- Put the toothbrush in your mouth and turn it on.
- Move the brush back and forth across your teeth. Be sure to reach all areas of your mouth, including your back teeth.
- Spit the suds into the sink and rinse your mouth with water.
- Turn off the toothbrush and remove the brush head. Rinse the brush head with water and put it back on the toothbrush.
- Store your toothbrush in a dry place.
Electric toothbrushes can be used with any type of toothpaste. However, if you are using an electric toothbrush for the first time, you may want to start with a non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid irritating your gums. You should also consult with your dentist to see if they have any recommendations on which toothpaste to use.
Most electric toothbrushes will come with a timer that will let you know when you’ve brushed for the recommended two minutes. If your toothbrush doesn’t have a timer, you can set a timer on your phone or another device to keep track of time.
Things To Keep In Mind When Using An Electric Toothbrush
If you are considering using an electric toothbrush, there are a few things you should keep in mind in order to get the most out of your investment.
1. Choose the right toothbrush head.
There are a variety of different electric toothbrush heads available on the market, so it is important to choose one that is best suited for your needs. If you have sensitive gums, for example, you may want to choose a toothbrush head with softer bristles. There are also toothbrush heads available that are specifically designed to reach difficult-to-clean areas in the mouth, such as around braces or implants.
2. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
When you first start using an electric toothbrush, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions in order to get the best results. This means charging the brush properly and using it as directed. Some electric toothbrushes also come with timers that help you keep track of how long you should be brushing for each quadrant of your mouth.
3. Be gentle.
Even though electric toothbrushes are designed to clean your teeth more effectively, it is still important to be gentle when using one. This means avoiding excessive pressure and only using the brush on your teeth and gums (avoiding the tongue or other areas of the mouth).
4. Replace the brush head regularly.
Just like with a manual toothbrush, it is important to replace the brush head on your electric toothbrush every three to four months (or as directed by the manufacturer). This helps to ensure that the bristles are effective and that you are not re-introducing bacteria into your mouth.
5. Store the brush properly.
When you are not using your electric toothbrush, it is important to store it in a safe place where it will not come into contact with other objects (such as hairbrushes or makeup brushes). This helps to prevent the transfer of bacteria and keeps the bristles clean.
Mistakes To Avoid While Using An Electric Toothbrush
While electric toothbrushes are generally very easy to use, there are a few mistakes that people often make when using them. These include:
1. Not rinsing the toothbrush head after each use.
It is important to rinse the toothbrush head with water after each use in order to remove any plaque or bacteria that may have been left behind. This helps to keep the bristles clean and prevent the growth of bacteria.
2. Not replacing the brush head regularly.
As mentioned above, it is important to replace the brush head on your electric toothbrush every three to four months (or as directed by the manufacturer). This helps to ensure that the bristles are effective and that you are not re-introducing bacteria into your mouth.
3. Using an old toothbrush head.
If you have an electric toothbrush that uses replaceable brush heads, it is important to avoid using an old brush head. This is because the bristles on an old brush head may not be as effective and can actually reintroduce bacteria into your mouth.
4. Using the wrong brush head.
There are a variety of different electric toothbrush heads available on the market, so it is important to choose one that is best suited for your needs. If you have sensitive gums, for example, you may want to choose a toothbrush head with softer bristles. There are also toothbrush heads available that are specifically designed to reach difficult-to-clean areas in the mouth, such as around braces or implants.
5. Not following the manufacturer’s instructions.
When you first start using an electric toothbrush, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions in order to get the best results. This means charging the brush properly and using it as directed. Some electric toothbrushes also come with timers that help you keep track of how long you should be brushing for each quadrant of your mouth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about electric toothbrushes:
1. What are the different types of electric toothbrush heads available?
There are a variety of different electric toothbrush heads available on the market, so it is important to choose one that is best suited for your needs. If you have sensitive gums, for example, you may want to choose a toothbrush head with softer bristles. There are also toothbrush heads available that are specifically designed to reach difficult-to-clean areas in the mouth, such as around braces or implants.
2. How do I take care of my electric toothbrush?
When you are not using your electric toothbrush, it is important to store it in a safe place where it will not come into contact with other objects (such as hairbrushes or makeup brushes). This helps to prevent the transfer of bacteria and keeps the bristles clean. It is also important to rinse the toothbrush head with water after each use in order to remove any plaque or bacteria that may have been left behind.
3. How much does an electric toothbrush cost?
The cost of an electric toothbrush can vary depending on the brand and features that you choose. Some basic models may cost as little as $20, while more advanced models with additional features can cost up to $200.3. Do I need to replace the brush head on my electric toothbrush?
Conclusion
Electric toothbrushes are a great way to clean your teeth effectively. However, it is important to use them correctly in order to get the best results. Be sure to follow the tips above in order to avoid making common mistakes while using an electric toothbrush. Also, be sure to replace the brush head every three to four months, or as directed by the manufacturer in order to keep the bristles effective and prevent the growth of bacteria.
