How To Use An Electric Toothbrush Properly

By Philip Yiga | July 2, 2015

In case you have an electric toothbrush, then you should know that most of these toothbrushes use an oscillating-rotating technology in order to provide better oral health than manual toothbrushes. In fact, the technology used in electric toothbrushes is very different from that found in manual toothbrushes whereby an electric toothbrush will provide the movement and you will just need guide it while brushing your teeth. It’s for this reason that most people actually find brushing teeth with an electric toothbrush easier once they learn how to use it properly. On the other hand, you actually need to brush your teeth regularly in order keep them looking clean and to achieve a fresh breath. So if you are only familiar with an old manual toothbrush yet you just got a new electric toothbrush and you are wondering how to use it best then try to read through this article because it will show how to use an electric toothbrush properly.

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STEPS TO FOLLOW WHILE USING AN ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH:

1. Charge the electric toothbrush: need to charge your electric toothbrush before using because without power, an electric toothbrush is just is just a manual toothbrush. To charge it, keep it cradled in the provided charger in case it’s a rechargeable toothbrush or try to change the batteries in case you notice that the electric is losing brushing power. Additionally, try to keep charging-stand close enough to the bathroom sink so that it can be easy to reach but also far enough so that you don’t accidentally knock it into sink filled with water because this will cause severe damage to it.

2. Wet the toothbrush: after charging your toothbrush, wet it using some clean water then apply a pea-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste onto the bristles. In fact, applying too much toothpaste on toothbrush causes over sudsing hence tempting the user to spit and even finish brushing too early.

3. Divide the mouth into quadrants: before you begin brushing, it’s recommended to divide your mouth into 4 quadrants which include; the top, bottom, left and right. Start brushing one of the top quadrants and along the gum-line with your toothbrush placed at a 45-degree angle while pointing up towards the gum. After, brush all the other quadrants thoroughly but apply gentle pressure and try to work the toothbrush in small circles while covering a couple of teeth at a time. Additionally, the electric toothbrush action will also do a thorough cleaning job in all these quadrants.

4. Brush teeth thoroughly: try to brush your teeth thoroughly by spending at least 30-seconds in each quadrant while brushing the outside, inside and in-between your teeth. Finishing the whole brushing process will actually take you about 2 to 3 minutes. However, pressing too hard when brushing can damage the gums or wear down the teeth enamel over time hence you should try to brush your teeth gently for best results. Likewise, brushing teeth immediately after eating acidic foods or juices can also erode the enamel. So it is recommended to wait for about 30 to 60 minutes before you begin brushing.

5. Brush the tongue: thoroughly brush your tongue because this will help to scrub off bacteria that cause bad breath. But you should not brush your tongue too aggressively because you may end-up damaging the tongue-tissue.

6. Rinse the mouth: in case you decide to rinse your mouth, the take a sip of water and swish it around your mouth and after spit it. However, in case you are at a high risk of getting cavities, then its best not to rinse your mouth after brushing or you can small amount of water to rinse it. Likewise, you can even use a mouthwash to rinse your mouth after brushing for best results. On the other hand, some studies have proven that rinsing the mouth after brushing has no significant impact of the effectiveness of fluoride toothpaste.

7. Use a fluoride-based mouthwash: you may use a fluoride-based mouthwash to rinse your mouth instead of using plain water after brushing. This will involve taking a small of mouthwash and then swish it in the mouth for about 30-seconds and after it out. But try to be careful not to swallow any of this mouthwash because this can lead to serious health problems.

8. Rinse the toothbrush: after brushing your teeth with an electric toothbrush, remove the brush-head from the handle and then hold this brush-head under running water for a few seconds in order to remove any remaining toothpaste and debris. After, attach the head back onto its handle and then place the place the entire toothbrush into its holder while in an upright position so that it can be able to dry easily and quickly.

9. Place the toothbrush handle onto its charger or base: after brushing and cleaning the toothbrush, try to place the handle back onto its charger or base for proper storage. In fact, keeping the toothbrush charged implies that it will always be ready for usage. But in case the toothbrush is already fully-charged, then unplug the charger in order save some electricity.

10. Keep the electric toothbrush in good shape: lastly, try to keep your electric toothbrush in good shape by thoroughly cleaning after usage. However, most electric toothbrushes have soft nylon-bristles which ensure effective brushing but these bristles will actually wear-out over a couple of months of daily brushing making the toothbrush less efficient. This means that you will need to replace the electric toothbrush immediately in case you notice inevitable tear or wear. Additionally, replacing a toothbrush is good for brushing and maintaining the mouth hygiene as well. Additionally, keep the toothbrush in the right place so that it does not get exposed to bacteria and remains dry when it is not under usage.

 

Tips to consider while using an electric toothbrush:

• Make sure that you always brush every part of your mouth by simply dividing your mouth into different quadrants and then work on each quadrant independently until the whole mouth is thoroughly cleaned.

• Remember to floss your teeth always before brushing your teeth because this will help to remove any dirt or plaque stuck in-between your teeth.

• Lastly, try to brush your teeth for at least twice a day or after every meal. This is very important because it will help to prevent the development of plaque and tooth-decay hence keeping your teeth healthy at all times.