When it comes to oral hygiene, most people think it’s enough to put a little toothpaste on your toothbrush and brush your teeth gently for a few seconds. The fresher the sensation the toothpaste leaves, the more you think you have achieved a good result. However, a healthy mouth does not depend on the toothpaste’s characteristics, whether whitening or anti-tartar. Toothpaste alone does not work wonders. The real difference is in the way you brush your teeth.
Proper oral hygiene requires the teeth to be cleaned with vertical movements on the incisors and diagonals on the molars for at least two minutes. Finally, using dental floss and a good mouthwash at least once a day completes the daily routine for caries-proof oral hygiene. The toothbrush should be used at least twice daily or, if possible, after each main meal. It is, in fact, an indispensable tool for avoiding gingivitis, tooth decay, and other types of infections of the oral cavity.
Despite the importance of this hygienic practice, often due to inattention or haste, cleaning the teeth with the traditional toothbrush does not achieve the desired effects. In the long run, you end up running into dental problems. A big help comes from the electric toothbrush, which has made so many steps forward since its first appearance in the 1940s that it can be considered the best ally for keeping teeth healthy. Why is it preferable to the traditional one? How is it used, and what are its advantages? But above all, is it true that the electric toothbrush has no contraindications? So here’s what to know about this tool before buying one.
What Is An Electric Toothbrush, And How Do You Use It?
The electric toothbrush is the electronic version of the traditional toothbrush. It, therefore, fully fulfills its function more effectively because it is equipped with technology that increases its performance during use.
How Do You Use An Electric Toothbrush?
Its use is relatively intuitive even if, being an automatic movement that you are not used to, it may seem unusual at first. Since the device performs the movement electronically, you must move it slowly inside the mouth, taking care to pass it over each tooth. The electric toothbrush consists of a non-slip plastic handle which is the base to which a brush head is attached (which changes when worn). The most common shape of the heads on the market is the round one, which takes up the same shape as the professional instrument used by dentists.
The toothpaste should be placed on the moistened head, and this should be placed on the front teeth before starting the device to prevent the toothpaste from splashing away. Once the toothbrush has started, you can start brushing with light pressure. Most of the devices on the market are equipped with tools that indicate how to brush your teeth well with an electric toothbrush. For example, some models have a bright LED warning you if you exert too much pressure, which could damage your teeth and gums.
On the other hand, almost all of them are equipped with timers that indicate the 30 seconds it takes to clean each dial. In this way, it will not be necessary to mentally consider the time that must be devoted to the complete operation. Used correctly, the electric toothbrush does not make the gums bleed. On the contrary, it strengthens them because it considerably reduces the accumulation of plaque that could cause them to become inflamed.
How To Clean The Electric Toothbrush
The electric toothbrush can be used as many times a day as is deemed necessary, taking care to clean it well after each use to avoid the accumulation of bacteria in the head. When brushing your teeth, you need to separate the brush head from the rest of the appliance. The handle of the electric toothbrush can get wet under running water. Usually, the plastic it is made of allows it to dry quickly.
The head must also be rinsed well under running water to remove any residual food or toothpaste and, at least once a day, must be immersed for 30 minutes in a glass with the mouthwash. Finally, remember to change the head approximately every three months. To understand when it is time to change it, manufacturers facilitate this task by creating heads with bristles that discolor with time and use, thus indicating when the time comes to replace them.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of The Electric Toothbrush
As we have seen, there are numerous advantages that an electric toothbrush offers for oral hygiene. Several studies have shown that the electric toothbrush gives better results than the manual one. This happens thanks to the movements of the head and the precious timer, which ensure the treatment and the time necessary for cleaning. Using an electric toothbrush is also an excellent advantage for those unfamiliar with carrying out the movements required for regular oral hygiene, as is the case with children. Thanks to this innovative tool, teeth cleaning becomes a game and a challenge for the little ones and the whole family.
Disadvantages Of The Electric Toothbrush
As for the traditional toothbrush, even in the case of the electric one, incorrect use will not give the desired effects. Although we cannot speak of absolute contraindications of the electric toothbrush, it is, therefore, appropriate to mention the disadvantages related to the improper use of the device. The electric toothbrush is designed to remove plaque effectively and food residues. However, if the movement of the head is not accompanied well, it can still incur gum irritation and tooth decay. As for the size, the electric toothbrush is larger than the traditional one, even if the newer models are less bulky.
Also, in non-removable batteries, ensure you have a nearby outlet and space to place the charging base. Without proper charging, the toothbrush won’t work. Finally, the price is usually the sore point of the matter. Switching to an electric toothbrush requires some initial investment. It is necessary to consider an investment ranging from 20 to 50 euros for the basic models, up to even 200 euros and more for the more technological ones. The positive note is that this expense is, however, repaid by:
- fewer visits to the dentist because teeth stay healthier,
- the multi-year service life of the appliance,
- possibility of using the same device between several family members simply by changing the head.
There are several brands and models on the market. However, to guarantee excellent cleaning and durability over time, it is better to aim for the most efficient models, such as Oral-B. This house devotes all its energies to developing the best oral hygiene products continuously.
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