Brushing with an electric brush in your daily Dental routine is certainly a game changer, but only when used with the correct technique. Compared to manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes are 21% more effective in cleaning plaque and gingivitis. They are more efficient in reaching the areas where the normal toothbrush can’t. Electric toothbrushes also offer various brushing modes so one can personalize their Oral care routine as they deem fit. Besides, they are exceptionally convenient for those with dexterity issues and arthritis. However, to get the most out of electric brushes, it’s important to use them in a manner prescribed or they may remain as good as normal toothbrushes.
So to help you optimize their effectiveness, here are a few mistakes that you may be making while using your electric toothbrush that you may need to rectify.
Choosing the Wrong Toothbrush
Just as there are various kinds and types of manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes also offer various types for you to choose from as per your unique needs. There are different kinds of brush heads for people with sensitive teeth, those with braces, etc. They also offer various brushing modes. Similarly, there are different electric toothbrushes available for kids as well. So, depending on your unique needs, you will need to choose an appropriate toothbrush. You may also choose to speak to your dentist about which toothbrush would be the best fit for you.
Incorrect Brushing Technique
This is not just true for electric toothbrushes but also applies to manual brushes too. One must pay attention to cleaning the back of the teeth just as they clean the visible parts of the teeth. As most people resort to, putting so much pressure or brushing hardly would not do any good. It may rather do more harm. When it comes to electric toothbrushes, you can choose from the various modes best suited for you. Remember to not put any pressure on when using an electric toothbrush. You simply need to glide them well over your teeth and gum line to ensure thorough cleaning.
Not Paying Attention to the rest of Your Mouth
In today’s age and time, brushing is simply not enough. Cleaning your tongue and the rest of the mouth is equally important if not more. The tongue is a place where so much of the food residue gets collected and can totally affect the health of your teeth, if not cleaned properly. You can simply use your toothbrush gently on your tongue, or better scrape it with the tongue cleaner to ensure it remains healthy. Besides, flossing is an understated activity that makes a great difference in your overall dental hygiene. Water flossing is an effective way to get rid of any food residue or bacteria from even the nooks and crannies of the mouth.
Not Replacing the Brush
One must replace the brush every two to three months or as soon as its bristles start to fray out. It is true for manual brushes too. As soon as you see that the bristles have started to wear, that’s a good time to replace the brush. In the case of an electric toothbrush, you will need to replace its head. Besides replacing, note that the American Dental Association recommends brushing for two minutes to effectively clean the mouth. The electric toothbrushes ensure we do it by offering a 2-minute timer.
