A toothbrush is an important tool in oral hygiene care. To remove plaque from oral microbes, use both an electric toothbrush and a manual toothbrush to achieve the desired results.
From a very young age, we are taught to use a manual toothbrush properly. But how should we brush our teeth with an electric toothbrush? In each case, it is necessary to employ the appropriate technology, and this time we will focus on the use of electric toothbrushes in particular.
What is an electric toothbrush?
It is a toothbrush that performs automatic movements to achieve better cleaning of the teeth. Depending on the type of device or brush head, the motion can be oscillating or rotating, reaching high speeds to effectively remove plaque and food debris.
Nowadays, an estimated half of the population uses an electric toothbrush to ensure good daily dental hygiene. Because the new design is more effective and easier to use, children and adults of all ages find electric toothbrushes the perfect tool for better cleaning with less effort.
How to Brush Your Teeth with an Electric Toothbrush?
Like manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes should be used after each meal to prevent cavities, tartar and gum problems.
Are you sure you are using your electric toothbrush correctly? Follow these steps to learn how to brush your teeth with this practical oral hygiene accessory.
- Split Port
First, divide the mouth into 4 parts. These parts are: the upper part of the left and right quadrants, and the lower part of the left and right quadrants.
Brushing should last at least 2 minutes. That way, for better dispersion, you can take 30 seconds in each area, making sure you don't miss a deep clean of any part of your mouth.
- Clean inside
Start by cleaning the first quadrant. Position the toothbrush with the brush head tilted 45° toward the gums so that it covers the inside of the teeth without directly touching the gums.
Start the toothbrush. Start by cleaning the molars from the back to the front, spending a few seconds on each tooth so the toothbrush can do its job.
- Clean appearance
When you're done with the molars and the inside of the tooth, it's time to cover the outside of the same quadrant. Repeat the process with the head at a 45-degree angle toward the gums and focus on each tooth individually.
Be careful not to press the toothbrush too hard against your gums. Just press lightly to avoid damaging them. There's also no need to use back-and-forth motions like a manual toothbrush. We achieved the same effect and magnified it by a factor of 10 due to the rotating or oscillating motion of the toothbrush.
- Clean the occlusal surface
Once you've finished the inside and outside of the first quadrant, it's time to clean the grinding area. Go to the molars and the tops of the teeth, pressing a little harder this time as there is no risk of damaging the gums.
Let the brush head "hug" each tooth individually so the bristles pull all the dirt away.
In 30 seconds, you'll be working on the first quadrant. Then, it's time to move on to the other quadrants we've divided the mouth into, spending another 30 seconds in each.
- Complement brushing with other accessories
As with a manual toothbrush, when you're done using your electric toothbrush, it's time to rinse off any residue. Press the off button and you can take the toothbrush out of your mouth.
Rinse the brush head properly and spit the remaining toothpaste into the sink. You can rinse your mouth with a little water to make sure no food remains in your mouth.
Just as important as using a toothbrush and toothpaste is to supplement your hygiene with an interdental brush or floss. These accessories can reach surfaces between the teeth that the toothbrush bristles can't reach, where food debris and plaque often accumulate.
When should an electric toothbrush head be replaced?
Over time, electric toothbrush heads wear out and become less effective during cleaning. For this reason, hygiene and dental care professionals recommend changing brush heads at least every 3 to 4 months.
This change should be made prematurely when you notice that in the third month, the filaments in the head begin to open. In people with braces or any other orthodontic treatment, the head tends to deteriorate faster.
If you don't remember when you last replaced your electric toothbrush head, you can use the color indicator on the bristles as a guide. When they start to change color, they need a new brush head.