You are using your electric toothbrush incorrectly. Here is the correct way to use it

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If you make these mistakes, here’s how to fix them.

When you brush your teeth, your mind probably goes on autopilot. As a result, you may not pay enough attention to what you are doing, which can lead to mistakes, especially if you are using a computer. electric toothbrush. An electric toothbrush can make your life easier and provide many benefits, but you’re probably not using it correctly.

If you’re not sure whether you’re using your electric toothbrush to the best of your ability, here are the steps to follow when brushing your teeth with an electric toothbrush.

How to use an electric toothbrush correctly

Ready to upgrade to an electric toothbrush? Or are you ready to learn how to use yours correctly? Fortunately, using one of these brushes is relatively simple and requires no more effort than using a manual toothbrush.

1. Make sure your toothbrush is charged. Your electric toothbrush should have an indicator that lights up when it is charged.
2. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and begin brushing the outer surfaces of your teeth. Hold the rotating brush heads against each tooth for 2 to 5 seconds before moving on to the next one.
3. After brushing the outer surfaces of your teeth, move to the inner surfaces, holding the rotating heads of your brush against those surfaces for two to five seconds before moving on to the next one.
4. Next, hold the head of your brush against the chewing surfaces of your teeth. Hold your brush against these surfaces for a few seconds each before moving on to the next tooth.
5. You’re not done yet. Run the rotating heads of your electric toothbrush along your gum line and over your gums. This will remove any remaining plaque in your mouth.
6. To finish, gently brush the palate and tongue. It’s a good way to remove stubborn food particles, and brushing these areas of your mouth can also help freshen your breath.

Common Mistakes Made When Using an Electric Toothbrush

While using an electric toothbrush is easy, there are still some mistakes you should avoid when brushing your teeth. Here are the most common:

1. Not brushing long enough

Don’t rush your brush. The ADA recommends brushing your teeth for 2 minutes twice daily with a soft-bristled brush. Rushing makes it more likely that you will not sufficiently remove the plaque that builds up on your teeth.

2. Do not replace a worn toothbrush head

Don’t overuse the heads of your electric toothbrush. The ADA recommends that you change these heads every three to four months. If the bristles on these heads become frayed or tangled, you should replace them immediately, even if you have used them for less than three months.

3. Brushing too hard

You may be tempted to press hard when brushing your teeth, but this can have detrimental effects on your teeth and gums. Brushing too hard can wear down your gums and teeth. This could reduce the enamel on your teeth, making them too sensitive to hot or cold temperatures. Brushing too hard could also cause your gums to recede.

4. Using the wrong toothbrush

You can brush your teeth effectively with an electric or manual toothbrush. You will need to use the correct brush. The ADA recommends using a toothbrush with soft bristles and a long handle that allows you to reach the back of your mouth.

Do you want to make sure your toothbrush is up to the task? Look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Brushes approved by the American Dental Association have a seal on their packaging.

Advantages of the electric toothbrush

Using an electric toothbrush has several advantages, such as ease of use and efficiency. Here are some of the most important:

Electric toothbrushes could be more effective

Studies have shown that electric toothbrushes can prevent tooth decay more effectively.

In 2014, the Cochrane Collaboration reviewed 56 clinical trials of unsupervised toothbrushing involving more than 5,000 adult and child subjects. Researchers found that people who used an electric toothbrush for one to three months saw an 11% reduction in plaque compared to those who used a manual toothbrush for the same period.

Another study that followed adults for 11 years also found that participants using an electric toothbrush had healthier teeth. The 2019 study, conducted by researchers at the University of Greifswald in Germany, found that those who used electric toothbrushes had healthier gums and kept 19% more teeth throughout the study than those who used manual brushes.

A better choice for young children

Children often have difficulty cleaning their teeth properly with a manual toothbrush. They might get bored before completing the recommended 2 minutes of brushing, making it easier for plaque to build up on their teeth. An electric toothbrush can help. Since the heads of these brushes rotate in different directions, they provide greater brushing power and can more effectively remove plaque in less time. Some electric toothbrushes have built-in timers, letting young children know when they’ve reached the 2-minute mark.

More effective at removing plaque if you wear braces

Do you have braces? If so, an electric toothbrush might be the best choice for your dental health. A study published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics found that participants who used a manual toothbrush after wearing braces were more likely to accumulate more plaque and an increased risk of gingivitis than those who used electric toothbrushes.

Better for removing plaque in general

Your goal when brushing your teeth is to remove as much plaque as possible. Indeed, the bacteria present in dental plaque eat away at the protective enamel of your teeth. Your teeth are more likely to suffer from cavities and you are more likely to suffer from painful cavities if you don’t remove this plaque.

Easier to use for some

An electric toothbrush might be easier to use for people with chronic pain or disabilities. This is because the rotating brush heads do most of the brushing. With manual toothbrushes, you have to do the brushing work yourself.

The information contained in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a health problem or health goals.