If you're here, it's because you want to know how to use an electric toothbrush to brush your teeth. It's true that brushing your teeth isn't always the easiest thing to do. However, the reason you're looking at this article is because you know that electric toothbrushes are more convenient than manual toothbrushes. But you don't know how to brush properly. It's true that people often rush through all the steps they need to take to prepare for brushing and get the technique right. It is therefore important to remember that improper use of the electric toothbrush promotes tartar build-up and hurts the gums. It is also what will damage the enamel of your teeth.
Here is a guide to understanding how to use an electric toothbrush the right way.
Things to do before using an electric toothbrush
1) Charge the electric toothbrush
It is important to make sure that the battery of the toothbrush is well charged or that the battery is working properly so that you can be sure to use it properly. So, you need to put it on the charger and change the batteries as soon as you notice that it loses power. This is the only way to make sure that the use is as efficient as possible. However, if it gets discharged during use, you can simply use it to finish brushing manually as it is still possible.
2) Maintain the electric toothbrush properly
An effective electric toothbrush is a toothbrush with nylon bristles with rounded ends. However, it is important to understand that the bristles will wear out if you always use the same toothbrush. It is therefore important to check your toothbrush as often as possible to make sure it is in good condition. That's the only way to ensure that it's doing the best job of brushing your teeth and keeping your gums healthy.
Here's what you need to do to properly maintain your brush:
- Check the bristles for sharp or abrasive parts
- Take a look at the brush bristles to make sure they don't fall out
- Observe the appearance of the brush bristles because if they are discolored, you need to change the brush head
- Replace the brush head every 3 to 4 months or more often if you notice a particular problem
Practical tips for using an electric toothbrush
1) Put the best toothpaste on your electric toothbrush
Even if the electric toothbrush is more efficient because it emits vibrations, pulsations and rotations, you must still think about putting a good toothpaste on your electric toothbrush. The choice of toothpaste will depend mainly on the amount of fluoride it contains, which helps to fight against tooth decay. Indeed, the toothpaste for children must contain at least 1000 ppm of fluorine. On the other hand, an adult should use a toothpaste that contains more than 1400 ppm of fluoride.
2) Turn on the toothbrush after you put it in your mouth
Electric toothbrushes make a lot of movements. If you turn on your toothbrush before you put it in your mouth, you risk splashing toothpaste all over your bathroom. So you need to place it properly in your mouth before you turn it on. You should also do the same thing after brushing your teeth. It's usually the oscillating electric toothbrushes that do this. There is less risk with sonic or ultrasonic ones.
3) Don't brush your teeth too hard
The electric toothbrush has the advantage of being a toothbrush that allows effective brushing without effort. All you have to do is move the electric toothbrush over the surface of each tooth without pressing too hard. Rotations, vibrations or rapid pulsations are enough to ensure a good cleaning. If you brush your teeth too hard, you risk damaging the enamel of your teeth, which weakens your teeth. You will then be more likely to contract oral diseases when it can prevent them.
4) Use products or accessories to complement brushing
- Dental floss: This is a thin nylon thread that is inserted between the teeth. It is used before going to sleep or once every 24 hours.
- Interdental brushes: These are brushes that allow you to effectively clean between your teeth. It is always used in the evening after eating.
- The tongue scraper: This is an accessory that allows you to scrape your tongue to remove bacteria. It is used once a day.
- Mouthwash: a hydroalcoholic solution that helps maintain good oral hygiene.
- Mouth spray: This is a spray that is sprayed into the mouth. It allows to avoid the inconveniences linked to a bad breath.
Toothbrushing with an electric toothbrush
1) The oscillating electric toothbrush
- Start by putting toothpaste on your toothbrush: Put a small amount of fluoride toothpaste on your teeth and then turn on the toothbrush.
- Clean the surface of your teeth with the toothbrush: Move the toothbrush from tooth to tooth. It is important to spend more time on the lower incisors because they harbor dental tartar.
- Clean the outer surface of your teeth with the toothbrush: Put the brush horizontally on your teeth. Move it slowly, insisting on brushing each tooth.
- Brush the chewing surfaces: Brush the chewing surfaces by spending a few seconds on each tooth. You should apply gentle pressure on the tooth surface.
2) The sonic toothbrush
- Moisten the bristles of the brush head: Rinse your toothbrush with a little water before applying a dose of toothpaste that will fit the size of the toothbrush.
- Put the toothbrush at the right angle: Place the bristles of the brush on your teeth at a 45° angle. It's important to keep the bristles pointed toward your gums.
- Press the on/off button on the toothbrush: Once it's on, you can start brushing your teeth by applying gentle pressure to your teeth.
- Move the brush head slowly along your teeth: You should move the toothbrush back and forth slightly while letting it do the work.
You can use the Y-Brush sonic toothbrush to brush your teeth well. It's a toothbrush that has bristles angled at 45° on the sides to brush your gums and gum line in a non-aggressive way. Moreover, the filaments have a good inclination which allows a perfect automation of the gesture to make.
We hope this guide has helped you understand that using your electric toothbrush properly requires organization. You need to prepare both the toothbrush and the brushing materials. You must also know the technique to follow according to the type of electric toothbrush you have.
