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Did you know there's a particular way to brush your teeth with a standard toothbrush, and if your technique isn't quite right, you may as well skip teeth cleaning altogether?
Okay, okay, that's a bit of a harsh call, but without the correct technique, you're putting your mouth at risk of being a bacteria playground, causing tooth decay and gum issues and, therefore, expensive AND FREQUENT trips to the dentist.
With all that in mind, we will give you some of the best FREE advice you might receive this lifetime: Brushing your teeth with an electric toothbrush does most of the work for you.
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So, now that we've all agreed how we'll brush our teeth from this day forward, let's discuss the details of how to use an electric toothbrush.
Choosing the Right Electric Toothbrush
Technology advancements, even when it comes to electric toothbrushes, are mind-blowing (or at least we think they are, being dental nerds and whatnot).
Sure, there's the generic electric toothbrush, battery-operated or rechargeable electric, that will, of course, get the job done. But did you know that some variants of electric toothbrushes come with advanced features, including sensors that determine if you're pushing too hard and timers that guide your entire brushing session? Imagine getting validation for a job well done from a toothbrush. We're unsure about you, but we'd attend each session ready to kill that performance!
There's also the job of determining soft, medium or hard bristles - just go soft. If in doubt, go extra soft. Harder bristles put your teeth at risk of removing enamel, making them appear discoloured or patchy.
Soft. Always soft.
Now, if you're unsure of the correct brushing technique you need to be performing to avoid plaque buildup, bad breath and other undesirable mouth attributes, we got you:
Proper Brushing Technique
It's not rocket science, but there is a way of brushing your teeth properly that, in our opinion, is not advertised enough.
Imagine being an adult and discovering that your technique is entirely wrong. You've got over 30 years of bad teeth-brushing habits to unlearn.
To ensure that your dental hygiene remains top-notch:
- Begin brushing from one side of your jaw and go tooth-by-tooth along that entire row.
- Make sure you clean the entire tooth and the gumline. Angle the toothbrush slightly up on the top row and down on the bottom while cleaning the gums to ensure the bristles go into the gum line and remove the plaque or leftover food from there.
- Use this exact brushing technique on the front and back of your teeth, paying attention to the grooves between teeth where food likes to nestle.
Once you've sorted the teeth, don't leave out your tongue and the roof of your mouth, as these places can also harbour bacteria, causing bad breath and a discoloured tongue.
Cleaning and Maintaining Your Electric Toothbrush
Obviously, bacteria builds up in our mouths during the day and overnight when we sleep; that's why we brush our teeth, right? But what about all the bacteria floating around while your toothbrushes nest on your bathroom basin between brushings? So, answer this: How close is your bathroom basin to your toilet?
Our point? You need to clean your electric toothbrush to guarantee your oral health.
How, you may ask? Allow us to deliver some riveting information to help you keep your mouth and toothbrush bacteria-free.
Rinse it: Simple, right? But giving your toothbrush a rinse before and after you clean your teeth with hot water is one of the easiest yet best ways to keep it bacteria-free.
Soak it: Every now and then, it's a good idea to soak the head of your electric toothbrush in antibacterial mouthwash. We're not recommending you do this every day because it will wear down the bristles a little faster, but every so often, especially if you've recently been ill, it's a good idea. This method will ensure all traces of bacteria are removed.
Sanitise: Do not use hand sanitiser for this. You can find UV sanitisers made to clean electric toothbrushes. In fact, some even come with them.
And our final tip for cleaning and maintaining your electric toothbrush comes with its own sub-heading:
Replacing Brush Heads
Knowing when to replace your brush head is a major part of ensuring your toothbrush doesn't get nasty. If you notice that the bristles are worn, they won't perform properly and may also feel scratchy on your gums… so it's time for a replacement.
If you've been ill and aren't sure the mouthwash cleaning method will be satisfactory, replace the toothbrush head. It's simple.
Benefits of Using an Electric Toothbrush vs Manual Toothbrush
As we said, electric toothbrushes do the majority of the work for you.
Do you need to know anything more? Just in case you replied 'yes,' we'll indulge you:
Gentle on gums: Those fancy-pants electric toothbrushes we chatted about earlier have pressure sensors that help you to be gentler on your teeth and gums.
Mobility-friendly: Electric toothbrushes allow patients with limited mobility to remain independent when it comes to dental hygiene, as they require less movement and wrist rotation to manoeuvre the brush head slowly around the mouth.
Sustainability friendly: Electric toothbrushes generate less waste than regular toothbrushes, so that's a slay.
Tips for Kids and Beginners
Our biggest tip to get kids (and adults, LBH) excited about dental hygiene and electric toothbrushes is to make it fun. Make it a party! Put some music on, set a timer, do a little dance, do whatever you need to make it entertaining!
Incorporating Mouthwash and Flossing
Just because you up your brushing game with an electric toothbrush doesn't mean you can ditch the mouthwash and flossing part of your dental hygiene routine. Your dentist will know, and it's an entirely avoidable embarrassing situation. So, you know the drill: brush, floss, and mouthwash, and do it morning and night.
So, if we've missed anything on 'how to use an electric toothbrush', consider re-reading this blog - because it’s packed with all the juicy details.