If you're here, you're probably used to using a manual toothbrush. You've been told that they can remove far more plaque than a manual toothbrush. However, you know that there are risks involved in using a manual toothbrush. So you want to know what they are and how you can use them properly.
Here's a guide to the dangers of using an electric toothbrush and how to use it properly.
What is an electric toothbrush?
An electric toothbrush is a toothbrush that uses electrical power, usually provided by a battery, to rapidly oscillate the brush head, either side to side or in a circular motion, to reduce the manual effort of a manual toothbrush and improve tooth brushing. It can be combined with a hydropulseur or a dental jet. It allows to clean efficiently and deeply your mouth, from the teeth to the gums through the tongue.
The main dangers of the electric toothbrush
Generally it is the use of the electric toothbrush oscillo-rotating which comprises dangers. Indeed, it is a toothbrush known as "abrasive" which requires to exert more pressure on your teeth during brushing. All of these criteria that you should pay attention to only concern this type of toothbrush. Even if you must also be vigilant when using the sonic toothbrush.
Here are the main dangers of the electric toothbrush
Enamel wear and gum irritation
Most of the time you don't measure the force you exert on your toothbrush. You get into the habit of pressing hard on your toothbrush because you think it will help you brush your teeth well. However, too much pressure on your teeth will sensitize your enamel and gums. You can experience these problems whether you use a sonic or oscillating toothbrush. The best way to avoid them is to choose an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor. This is an option found on most toothbrushes.
Gum retraction
When you brush a tooth from the tip to the gum line, the bristles should not touch the base of the tooth. This is usually what happens if you press too hard on your toothbrush or if you steer it wrong, whether it's manual or electric. You will force the gums to recede, which then causes serious problems with loose teeth. If you're not careful, you'll run into this problem with sonic toothbrushes because they move back and forth. So you need to make sure your gums are at the very end of the brush, so they're only brushed against.
Brushing too superficially
Brushing too lightly is more common with an oscillating toothbrush. With this type of brush, you have to learn to be static. Your hand should just direct the brush from tooth to tooth, but not make any brushing movements. It's especially important to make sure the brush wraps around each tooth before moving on to the next. You also need to be fair between the front and back. Learn not to move and the problem is solved. However, there is no doubt that brushing teeth is much more superficial with a manual toothbrush.
Inaccessible corners
If you're used to brushing with a manual, rectangular-headed brush, you may find it strange to switch to a round brush that covers less surface area. Once you try it, you'll understand why the oscillating/rotating motion of the brush means that it needs to be smaller, especially for the inside of the teeth. If you add a rectangular brush to your oscillating brush, you'll understand even more. This shape is difficult to match with the movement and the result is that you will have more difficulty reaching the arc of the back of the incisors.
Things to consider when using an electric toothbrush
Changing the brush head
Changing the brush head is particularly important. It is recommended to do so at least every three months. If the bristles of the brush head tend to move apart, it is best to change the brush head right away. It is important to know that some brushes have colored bristles that serve as a warning that the brush should be changed when the bristles are discolored to half their length. Regarding the choice of brush, most of the time, all the brushes of a manufacturer or almost are compatible with a range, so it is possible to change it and it is not compulsory to buy the brush model that comes with the toothbrush. When choosing a brush, it is advisable to opt for a small brush that can be slipped in anywhere, making it easier to clean each facet of the tooth. The length of the brush should not be longer than the space between two teeth.
Maintenance of an electric toothbrush
You must be careful not to completely immerse the toothbrush's charging base. You can clean the toothbrush with a damp cloth from time to time. The brush should be properly rinsed after each use. It is noted that some brushes have a hole in which toothpaste, saliva. It is therefore particularly important to detach the head from the handle and rinse the inside of the brush. Otherwise, no matter what type of toothbrush you have, you can immerse your toothbrush in a bowl of boiling water. You can add a tablespoon of white vinegar. Then, it is essential to let the natural solution act all night and rinse your toothbrush with cold water before using it. However, in any case, it is important to rinse your toothbrush with warm water after each use. This will clean any toothpaste residue from your toothbrush.
Brushing techniques with each of these two toothbrushes
Brushing with the sonic toothbrush
This toothbrush is very similar to a manual toothbrush. The bristles of the brush vibrate at a very fast rate. To use this toothbrush correctly, the movement is very simple. It is important to make small movements that towards the tooth. You must also brush the upper jaw and then the lower jaw separately. The brush should be placed on the gum at an angle of about 45°. Then, gently rotate the brush with your wrist in the direction of your teeth. Depending on the width of the brush, you will brush several teeth at once. In addition, you must be particularly careful not to forget the inside of the teeth and the chewing surface.
Brushing with an oscillating toothbrush
On an electric toothbrush with a round oscillating head, the bristles move rapidly back and forth while the head vibrates slightly. The brushing technique is then simple: you clean each tooth one after the other by exerting a slight pressure with the rotating brush head. There is no need to apply much pressure, because the movements and vibrations are enough to remove the plaque from the teeth, while protecting the gums. However, if you apply more pressure to clean your teeth even better and faster, you put your gums at risk because of the rapid rotation of the head, just like with a manual toothbrush.
You can test the Y-Brush sonic toothbrush. It is a toothbrush that allows you to brush all sides of your teeth at the same time. It offers an effective brushing of teeth and gums in 10 seconds.
We hope that this guide has helped you to know exactly how an electric toothbrush works in general if you have never used one in your life. We hope that you have understood what to do to avoid every danger associated with its use. If you maintain the toothbrush well and change the brush head regularly, you are not likely to have any problems with this type of toothbrush. The sonic toothbrush is the one that is most recommended if you have oral problems. It will take care of your teeth and gums.
