Brushing your teeth with an electric toothbrush is much easier, faster and more effective than a normal one. Oral hygiene is essential, but everyone has skipped morning or evening brushing at least once.
There are dozens of types of electric toothbrush models. Dentists recommend not completely abandoning regular toothbrushes, but rather alternating their use. An electric toothbrush is superior to a regular toothbrush in many ways. And it’s not just about saving time.
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This hygienic device produces several thousand rotational movements and pulsations. All you have to do is simply apply the brush to your teeth and it will remove all the plaque on its own. The vibrations of the toothbrush head create a thick foam that penetrates hard-to-reach places, cleaning away food debris and bacteria. Unfortunately, this effect cannot be achieved manually.
How to brush your teeth with an electric toothbrush?
Preparation
First, wash your hands with warm water. Check if the device is charged and if there is enough charge until the end of the procedure. On some models, the charge level is displayed as an indicator.
Choose a suitable nozzle, moisten it slightly with water and squeeze out a small amount of paste (literally the size of a pea).
Step by step cleaning
For convenience, roughly divide the oral cavity into segments and start cleaning one by one.
The first step is to clean the outer parts of the upper and lower rows of teeth. Hold the brush horizontally at a 45-degree angle. When cleaning the anterior incisors we place the electric brush in a vertical position, then we move to the inner surface of the enamel, the third stage is cleaning the chewing teeth. Since we use them to chew food, their remains can get trapped in the interdental space.
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Therefore, more attention should be paid to the chewing teeth, and especially the spaces between them. We try not to press the brush too much or make oscillating movements – the electric device will do everything for you. Using gentle strokes and light pressure, move the brush from tooth to tooth. The entire cleaning process will take two minutes.
After the procedure
Finally, you can replace the classic accessory with a brush to massage the gums and tongue. Rinse your mouth with warm water or a special solution.
Types of electric toothbrush heads
Standard. Classic accessories suitable for everyday use. Orthodontic attachments will be appreciated by owners of braces, dentures and crowns. Whitening additives cannot be used more than twice a week. Although they remove plaque well and make teeth snow white, these attachments can be harmful. The soft ones are suitable for people with sensitive tooth enamel. Children’s attachments take into account the structural characteristics of children’s teeth.
Periodically check the accessories for wear. They must be changed every two months. Many manufacturers install a wear indicator to easily monitor the expiration date.
Also read:
Electric or classic? The dentist said which toothbrush is better.
Depending on the degree of hardness, brushes are divided into the following types:
soft delicates: even children from three years old can use them; soft: suitable for people with gum disease and bleeding; medium: the most popular and used by the majority; hard: often not recommended for use. Once a week in combination with whitening toothpaste is enough. Only people who do not have problems with their gums can afford these types of brushes.
Types of electric toothbrushes: pros and cons
According to their characteristics and technology, electric toothbrushes are divided into rotary, sonic and ultrasonic. Each model has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Rotating toothbrushes
The first devices that appeared on the modern market. These are the simplest models that work with a built-in motor. The nozzles can be different, but it is better to give preference to round ones. They carefully but delicately remove food debris and plaque.
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When used, the nozzle makes reciprocating or rotating movements. Some models can combine both types. There are also devices with 3D effect technology: the head rotates in different directions and at the same time pulses.
Advantages:
Reasonable price, gentle treatment, suitable for children and people with sensitive gums.
Disadvantages:
Low frequency of oscillatory movements.
sonic toothbrushes
These models, instead of a motor, have a high-frequency generator that produces sound waves. A sonic toothbrush produces a rocking motion, while a bristle toothbrush produces a sweeping motion.
Advantages:
deeper cleaning due to vibration, there is a gentle mode.
Disadvantages:
It may cause discomfort due to inflammation and sensitivity of the gums; not suitable for children.
Ultrasonic toothbrushes
The most modern and powerful models that work based on ultrasonic waves. The generator creates waves with a high vibration frequency, thanks to which the brush bristles begin to move at an incredible speed. This technology helps remove plaque from hard-to-reach places, removes calculus, and disinfects gum pockets.
Photo: istockphoto.com/brizmaker
Advantages:
removes not only plaque, but also stone, cleans stains and gives a whitening effect.
Disadvantages:
Contraindicated for people with crowns and veneers, as ultrasonic waves can destroy the material, it cannot be used by children and pregnant women, nor by people with calcium deficiency.
What toothpaste to choose for an electric toothbrush?
For electric toothbrushes, you need to choose low-abrasion toothpastes. Large particles with high vibration frequencies can damage enamel, while small abrasives produce less stress. Some pastes are marked Sonic Friendly, which means the paste is suitable for use with electric toothbrushes. Choose a paste for specific purposes: whitening, refreshing, mineralized, with a vitamin complex.
Also read:
What not to eat if you want white and healthy teeth. The dentist told him
Additional characteristics
Some devices have different options for additional functions, which will be a strong argument when choosing an electric toothbrush.
Timer. With it you can record time. An audible or vibrating signal will inform you that the allotted time has expired.Display. With it you can control the battery charge level Pressure sensor. The pressure sensor warns of strong pressure on the teeth, which can damage the enamel. Thus, you control the pressure force, a wear indicator allows you to change accessories in a timely manner, a special device for disinfection with UV radiation. It is used to process replaceable nozzles.
How to care for an electric toothbrush
After use, rinse the motor unit and accessories under running water. Clean the device and brush with a towel and let it dry naturally. Don’t put it in a case or case. Remaining moisture can cause mold. Disinfect with an antiseptic once a week.
Photo: istockphoto.com/nikkytok
Electric toothbrushes are progressively replacing regular ones. After all, they save a lot of time and provide more complete oral care. It is important to follow all recommendations, follow the instructions for use, choose the right toothpaste and accessories, and keep the device clean. However, do not forget that regular visits to the dentist and annual professional oral hygiene are necessary.
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