From the moment a child starts developing teeth, brushing becomes an important part of daily hygiene. Growing into adulthood, we develop a habit of brushing so it becomes second nature. Not only is brushing your teeth a recommended form of prevention, but it is required in order for you to properly take care of your teeth.
There are many different types of toothbrushes that can get the job done. Both manual and electric toothbrushes can be effective in getting rid of harmful plaque and strengthening the enamel on the teeth. But as time goes on, more and more patients are inquiring about the benefits of electric toothbrushes over traditional ones.
At Alta Dental Care, we want to help patients recognize what makes a good electric toothbrush, as well as highlight the best ways to use electric toothbrushes to their full extent. Follow our tips and tricks below so you can unleash the full potential of your electric toothbrush oral care!
Finding the Best Electric Toothbrush
The key to finding a good quality toothbrush is whether or not it comes with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This means that it has been approved by the American Dental Association as a useful product with benefits to help you properly clean your teeth.
You can look at the full list of Seal of Acceptance products to find the best electric toothbrush for you.
Benefits of Electric Vs. Manual Toothbrush
Many traditional toothbrushes still have the Seal of Acceptance and are perfectly fine for everyday cleaning. But electric toothbrushes are being developed to perform more advanced functions that can deep clean the teeth in ways a normal toothbrush can’t.
If you’re stuck trying to decide between your old toothbrush and a new electric one, here are some benefits highlighted by Healthline:
- Electric toothbrushes are better at removing plaque than regular toothbrushes, helping prevent gingivitis.
- Many come with timers to help you maintain a long brushing session.
- Electric toothbrushes are more advantageous for those who aren’t very mobile, such as people dealing with arthritis or carpal tunnel. The electric toothbrush does most of the back and forth work for you.
- It’s more fun for kids! Kids will look forward to brushing in the morning since there are so many different functions on an electric toothbrush.
Most electric toothbrushes vary in cost, so finding the right one is never too difficult.
Using Your Electric Toothbrush Properly
Now that you understand the benefits an electric toothbrush can bring, let’s talk about how to use it properly. Although electric toothbrushes are for all intents and purposes automatic, there are still many “correct” ways that you could be using it to its full potential.
The Timing
A good rule of thumb is to think of your mouth in four parts: top left, bottom left, top right, and bottom right. You should brush each quadrant for 30 seconds (a built-in timer can help you with this).
The Positioning
While electric toothbrushes can rotate and make brushing movements on their own, they still need help getting into the right position. They must reach every crevice and cranny between your teeth. The best way to practice this is to get in the right position.
The head of the toothbrush should be at a 45-degree angle to the gums. That way, the bristles will be able to brush both the teeth and the gum line at the same time, maximizing the efficiency of your electric device.
Don’t Scrub!
It might take a few days before you get into the habit of not scrubbing back and forth with your electric toothbrush like you would with a regular one. However, you don’t need to make these movements anymore. The electric head does all of the scrubbing for you! All you need to do is slowly move it along your teeth and gums. Make sure it can reach all of the important areas.
Get into Good Oral Hygiene Habits Today!
An electric toothbrush can help you maintain great oral hygiene, and it can even prevent harmful diseases like gingivitis and decay. If you have more questions about your toothbrush needs, or you are looking to schedule a cleaning to stay on top of your oral health, our Alta Dental dentists are happy to help! You can contact us online or give us a call at (909) 451-8300 to schedule an appointment.
