How to use an electric toothbrush: a step-by-step guide (2024)

Do you need any instructions for using an electric toothbrush? The answer is definitely yes! Although these toothbrushes have been available for some time, there are many different types of them on the market now. From electric toothbrushes with batteries to rechargeable electric toothbrushes. Knowing the correct way to use these toothbrushes will probably help you to improve your oral care routine. In this article, we will guide you through the process and how to use an electric toothbrush. Including the time required for brushing and the proper technique of using it. Before you decide to switch from your regular toothbrush, learn about the things you need to know when using an electric toothbrush to make an informed decision.

How to use an electric toothbrush?

An electric toothbrush is very easy to use, some say even easier than a manual toothbrush. However, we are going to give you a simple guide on how to use an electric toothbrush.

  1. Make sure your electric toothbrush is fully charged. If you have a battery-operated toothbrush, check that the batteries are fresh.
  2. When your electric toothbrush is ready to use, apply a very small spoonful of toothpaste to the toothbrush and start brushing.
  3. Be gentle and don’t brush your teeth with too much pressure. Some electronic toothbrushes have a built-in pressure sensor that alerts you if you are using too much pressure.
  4. Hold the head of your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your gum line.
  5. Do verbal segmentation in your mind! Divide your mouth into four sections and brush each section for at least 30 seconds.
  6. After cleaning the surface of your teeth, brush your tongue as well.
  7. When you are done, clean your toothbrush head with water.

How long does it take to brush with an electric toothbrush?

For both smart and manual toothbrushes, your entire brushing process should take at least 2 minutes. And of course, your brushing process should be done with proper technique. Most smart toothbrushes usually have a two-minute timer that can notify you when your brushing time is up. Smart toothbrushes vibrate in a different way to signal the end of two minutes. If your smart toothbrush has an app, you can use the app to check how long you’ve been brushing. So now that we’ve established how long to brush, let’s talk about how to clean and care for your toothbrush.

Cleaning electric toothbrushes is very simple and does not take much time. First, let’s talk about cleaning electric toothbrush heads. Then we clean the base of the electric toothbrush.

How to clean an electric toothbrush?

  1. After brushing, remove the toothbrush head from the brush.
  2. Wash the toothbrush head with water to clean it.
  3. Shake the head of the toothbrush to remove excess water.

Now the head of your toothbrush is clean, then it’s time for the handle of the electric toothbrush.

  1. Use a wet paper towel to wipe the handle.
  2. Make sure the toothbrush head and clean handle are almost dry.
  3. Reassemble your electric toothbrush.

If the charging base of your toothbrush is dirty, you can do this by making sure the base is unplugged, then use a damp paper towel or cloth to wipe off any smudges or dirt from the base. Do not wash it with water! No charging base model should be washed or wetted with water.

If you follow these steps, you will have a clean and ready toothbrush for the next time you brush your teeth.

How to maintain an electric toothbrush?

The way you maintain your toothbrush is very important. This method will ensure that your toothbrush will work for a long time without losing its quality. Now we will give you some tips on how to maintain an electric toothbrush:

  • Let the toothbrush dry: Make sure your toothbrush is dry before putting it in a cabinet, in a travel case, or putting a cap on the head. This will prevent your toothbrush heads from producing bacteria and fungi.
  • Keep in a cool place: even the slightest amount of moisture can cause fungus to grow. Therefore, store your electric toothbrush in a cool place. This also means not being exposed to direct sunlight.
  • Distance: If you keep your toothbrush in the bathroom or toilet, apart from the above points, make sure that the toothbrush heads are at least one meter away from the toilet. Washing your toothbrush will kill the bacteria on your toothbrush.
  • Water resistance: Most rechargeable toothbrushes may not be waterproof. Therefore, keep your rechargeable electric toothbrush and charger away from water to keep them working properly.

How often should you replace the head of your electric toothbrush?

To maintain a healthy mouth and teeth, you should replace your toothbrush head every 3 to 4 months. There are several options for choosing a toothbrush head, but make sure you choose the right size for your toothbrush, or you may end up with an ineffective toothbrush.

How long does an electric toothbrush last?

Electric toothbrushes are more like a long-term investment. The companies that make these expensive toothbrushes say that they last between 3 and 5 years, which is how long battery-powered toothbrushes and electric toothbrushes both last. That’s why it’s important to do your research before switching from a manual to an electric toothbrush.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using an electric toothbrush?

Before discussing the pros and cons of electric toothbrushes, let’s first understand why we brush our teeth. The answer is that we use it to remove plaque and food particles. Well, we can name a few cases where you prefer to use an electric toothbrush. We will examine the pros and cons of electric toothbrushes. First, here are the pros and cons.

Advantages:

  • For what reasons do you prefer to use an electric toothbrush, its effectiveness, the amount of movement, and its advanced technology
  • How it works: Scientists have researched the effectiveness of an electric toothbrush in removing dental plaque. The results show that the movement and speed of the electric toothbrush head are effective in removing plaque and sediment, especially from hard places in your mouth. The result of the effectiveness of removing dental plaque with an electric toothbrush can be seen.
  • Movements: The range of movement or the number of brushes per minute you can get from electric toothbrush heads is much more than a regular toothbrush. The toothbrush head oscillates in a circular motion and the sonic head vibrates to clean your teeth. This makes it easier to take care of your oral health.
  • Application: Since there is less need to press and brush the teeth with an electric toothbrush, it is more suitable for people with mobility problems and disabilities. These rechargeable toothbrushes make oral hygiene more inclusive for everyone.

Disadvantages:

Of course, not everything is so transparent and convenient, when it comes to using an electric toothbrush, there are some negative points.

  • Price: Electric toothbrushes vary in price and are more expensive than regular toothbrushes. You will also need to replace the toothbrush heads, which can be more expensive than manual toothbrushes.
  • Pressure: Most people may not be used to electric toothbrushes and end up brushing their teeth too hard. This can lead to stretch marks in the long run.

What tips should you know when using an electric toothbrush?

There are a few things you should know when using an electric toothbrush.

Replacing the toothbrush head: you need to get replacement heads. Apply the rule of replacing the toothbrush with an electric toothbrush as well. You can have a variety of brush heads to choose from, for sensitive teeth or gum hygiene.

Brush gently: When using an electric toothbrush, you only need gentle pressure. Brushing with too much pressure with any type of toothbrush can damage your teeth and gums. Some smart toothbrushes have a pressure indicator so you can adjust the best brushing technique.

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How to use an electric toothbrush: a step-by-step guide (2024)
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