Do you have an electric toothbrush!? Awesome! Studies have shown that electric toothbrushes may more efficiently prevent tooth decay, as they vibrate (and can oscillate) bristles to brush off plaque better than manual toothbrushes!
Are you Using your Electric Toothbrush Most Efficiently?
If you are brushing like you were taught as a kid (quick movements side to side, up and down, circular, with bristles facing up towards the gums) you are not using your electric toothbrush as effectively as possible!
How to Brush with your Electric Toothbrush
Think... SLOW MOVEMENTS.
With an electric toothbrush, you should be allowing the vibrating bristles to do their work by gently holding them over each area of your teeth approximately 2-5 seconds before moving on. No more quick brushing movements! Let that toothbrush do most of the work for you!
1) Start by brushing the outer surfaces of your teeth (the side touching your mouth)
2) Move to the inside surfaces, again holding on each area approx 2-5 seconds
3) Hold your brush's head against the chewing surfaces of your teeth
4) Allow the vibrating bristles to go along your gum line and on your gums. This will remove any remaining plaque in your mouth
5) Last, gently clean your tongue with your brush to help reduce bad breath
Some Stats on Electric Toothbrush Effectiveness
In a 2014 study of over 5,000 individuals, researchers found that those who used an electric toothbrush for 1-3 months saw a reduction in plaque of 11% (compared to those who used a manual toothbrush).
The study also found that those who used electric toothbrushes had a 21% reduction in plaque after 3 months of use when compared to their peers who used manual toothbrushes.
In conclusion, your goal when brushing your teeth is to remove as much plaque as possible. That's because the bacteria in plaque eats away at your teeth's protective enamel. The electric toothbrush does most of the work for you, so allow it to stay on your teeth for about 2-5 seconds before slowly moving it to a new spot. Remember, you want to have the bristles aiming up at a 45 degree angle toward the gums (where most of the plaque is) when brushing!
Plaque can develop into tartar (or calculus) especially in difficult areas, so our awesome Harte Dental hygienists can help with removing that built on tartar, exposing your beautiful teeth! Call us today to schedule a cleaning or to become a new patient! We're proud of our award-winning clinical team, who have won Best Dentist in Milton (Milton Times), Favorite Dentist (Milton Scene), Top Dentist (Boston Magazine), and Neighborhood Favorite (Nextdoor). (617) 696-5257 or email us at ContactUs@hartedental.com
For more info: https://www.cnet.com/health/personal-care/4-mistakes-you-might-be-making-with-your-electric-toothbrush/