An electric toothbrush can improve your oral care routine, helping you reduce your chance of developing gum disease and tooth decay. If you are considering an electric toothbrush, you may want to know its benefits. This blog will explain the advantages of an electric toothbrush and how to use it.
Electric Toothbrush Benefits
1. Gentle Yet Thorough Cleaning
An electric toothbrush is gentler on teeth and gums than a manual toothbrush. It removes more plaque and food particles when used correctly.
2. Best for Patients with Arthritis
Patients living with arthritis sometimes have trouble with the motions needed to brush their teeth properly. An electric toothbrush can make the cleaning process simpler and smoother.
3. Built-In Timers
Many electric toothbrushes have two-minute timers to help you maintain your brushing habits. If your brush has this feature, ensure that you use it.
Toothbrush Technique
While the moving bristles on an electric toothbrush can reach more tooth surfaces than a manual toothbrush, you must guide the brush using the correct method to maximize its cleaning power.
Start with the brush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth. Brush all surfaces of your teeth (the front, back, and chewing surfaces), ensuring that you reach up to the gums. Use short strokes the width of your tooth. Do not put too much extra pressure on the brush because the spinning or vibrating motion should be enough to clean effectively without causing gum damage.
Brush for two minutes, giving even coverage to all tooth surfaces. Guide your brush head across the gum line and over the gums for a few seconds. Brush the roof of your mouth and your tongue as well.
Price Matters Less than Consistent Use
If you have shopped for an electric toothbrush, you know how many price points there are. The cost of your toothbrush matters far less than using it correctly, as described in this blog. Even if you buy a toothbrush that costs hundreds of dollars, you will not get an effective clean unless you use the correct technique.
Electric Toothbrush Tips
- Replace toothbrush head when bristles show wear, typically every three months
- Keep batteries fresh or handset charged for maximum power
- Don't skip flossing when you use an electric toothbrush
- Use an approved fluoride toothpaste recommended by your dentist
Consistency is Key
Even if you use an electric toothbrush, your home oral care routine may need improvement. Ensure you brush at least twice daily for a full two minutes each time. Simply running the brush over your teeth will not produce the desired results. Be sure that you floss daily as well.
Call Wilson Park Dental
An electric toothbrush can improve your at-home oral care routine and keep your teeth cleaner when used with care. You may avoid future gum disease and tooth decay complications when you step up your daily brushing routine.
Call our Rapid City, SD, office at 605-343-9352 to schedule a cleaning and comprehensive exam. We can show you how to use your electric toothbrush and give further information on protecting your oral health.