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If you are here, it is probably because you are used to using a manual toothbrush. You have been told that electric toothbrushes remove much more plaque than a manual toothbrush. However, you know that using one involves certain risks. You therefore want to know what they are and how to use it correctly.
Here is a guide that explains the dangers associated with using an electric toothbrush and how to use one properly.
What is an electric toothbrush?
An electric toothbrush is a toothbrush that uses electrical energy, usually supplied by a battery, to make the brush head move rapidly, either from side to side or in a circular motion, in order to reduce the manual effort required by a manual toothbrush and improve tooth brushing. It can be combined with a water flosser or dental irrigator. This allows you to clean your mouth effectively and thoroughly, from your teeth to your gums and tongue.
The main dangers of electric toothbrushes
In general, it is the use of an oscillating-rotating electric toothbrush that involves risks. Indeed, this type of toothbrush is considered “abrasive” and requires applying more pressure to your teeth while brushing. These are the criteria you need to pay attention to with this type of toothbrush. You should also remain vigilant when using a sonic toothbrush.
Here are the main dangers of electric toothbrushes
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Enamel wear and gum irritation
Most of the time, you do not measure the force you apply to your toothbrush. You get into the habit of pressing hard on your toothbrush because you think this will promote proper tooth brushing. However, excessive pressure on your teeth can make your enamel and gums sensitive. You can experience these problems whether you use a sonic or oscillating-rotating toothbrush. The best way to prevent them is to choose an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor. This option is available on most toothbrushes.
Gum recession
When brushing a tooth from its tip toward the gum, the bristles should not hit the base of the tooth. This generally happens if you press too hard on your toothbrush or guide it incorrectly, whether it is manual or electric. In this case, you will force the gum to recede, which can then lead to serious problems with loose teeth. If you are not careful, you may encounter this problem with sonic toothbrushes because they allow back-and-forth movements. You must therefore ensure that your gums are positioned at the very end of the brush, so that they are only lightly touched.
Brushing that is too superficial
Brushing that is too superficial is more common with an oscillating-rotating toothbrush. With this type of brush, you need to learn to remain still. Your hand should simply guide the brush from one tooth to the next, without making any brushing movement. It is particularly important to ensure that the brush head surrounds each tooth before moving on to the next one. You should also give equal attention to the front and back surfaces. Learn not to move, and the problem is solved. However, there is no doubt that tooth brushing is much more superficial with a manual toothbrush.
Inaccessible areas
If you are used to brushing with a manual toothbrush with a rectangular head, you may find it strange to switch to a round brush head that covers less surface area. Once you have tried it, you will understand why: because of its oscillating-rotating movement, the brush head needs to be smaller, especially for the inner surfaces of the teeth. If you equip your oscillating-rotating toothbrush with a rectangular brush head, you will understand this even better. Indeed, this shape is difficult to combine with the movement, and the result is that it is harder to reach the curved area formed by the back surfaces 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 that you do so at least approximately every three months. If the bristles on the brush head start to spread out, it is better to replace it immediately. It is important to know that some brush heads have colored bristles that serve as an indicator and show that the brush head needs to be replaced when the color has faded halfway down the bristles. As for choosing a brush head, most brush heads from the same manufacturer are compatible with a given range, so you can change them and do not necessarily have to buy the original brush head model supplied with the toothbrush. When choosing one, it is recommended that you opt for a small brush head that can reach everywhere, making it easier to clean every surface of the tooth. The brush head should not be longer than the space between two teeth.
Maintaining an electric toothbrush
Be careful not to fully immerse the toothbrush charging base. You can clean the toothbrush with a damp cloth from time to time. The brush head should be rinsed thoroughly after each use. Some brush heads have a hole into which toothpaste and saliva can enter. It is therefore particularly important to detach the head from the handle and rinse the inside of the brush head. Regardless of the type of toothbrush, you can immerse your toothbrush in a bowl of boiling water. You can add one tablespoon of white vinegar. It is then essential to let the natural solution work overnight and rinse your toothbrush with cold water before using it. However, in all cases, it is important to rinse your toothbrush with warm water after each use. This helps remove toothpaste residue from your toothbrush.
Brushing techniques for each of these two toothbrushes
Brushing with a sonic toothbrush
This toothbrush looks very much like a manual toothbrush. The bristles on the brush head vibrate at a very fast rate. To use this toothbrush correctly, the movement is very simple. It is important to make small movements toward the tooth. You should also brush the upper jaw and then the lower jaw separately. The brush head should be placed on the gum at an angle of approximately 45°. Then make slight rotations with your wrist while moving the brush toward the teeth. Depending on the width of the brush head, you will brush several teeth at once. It is also particularly important not to forget the inner surfaces of the teeth or the chewing surfaces.
Brushing with an oscillating-rotating toothbrush
With an electric toothbrush equipped with a round oscillating head, the bristles move rapidly back and forth while the head vibrates slightly. The brushing technique is simple: clean each tooth one after another by applying light pressure with the rotating brush head. There is no need to press hard, as the movements and vibrations are enough to remove plaque from the tooth while protecting the gums. However, if you apply more pressure to clean your teeth better and faster, you put your gums at risk because of the rapid rotation of the head, just as you would with a manual toothbrush.
You can try the Y-Brush sonic toothbrush. It is a toothbrush that allows you to brush all surfaces of your teeth at the same time. It provides effective brushing of your teeth and gums in 10 seconds.
We hope this guide has helped you understand precisely how an electric toothbrush generally works if you have never used one before. We hope you now understand what to do to avoid each danger associated with its use. If you maintain your toothbrush properly and replace the brush head regularly, you should not experience problems with this type of toothbrush. A sonic toothbrush is the most recommended option if you have oral health problems. It will take care of your teeth and gums.
To learn more: how to choose your electric toothbrush.
