How to Brush Teeth With an Electric Toothbrush

These days, electric toothbrushes are all the rage, and it’s easy to see why: According to Consumer Reports (Wadyka, 2020), studies have shown that battery-powered brushes are 21% better at blasting plaque and 11% more effective at beating gingivitis than their manual alternatives. These powerful oral hygiene devices use oscillating or sonic technology to remove dental biofilm more efficiently.

Thinking of making the leap to electric? Be sure to do a bit of research and brush up on your technique. Electric toothbrushes, with their automated bristle movements, do all the mechanical work for you, so you’ll have to switch up your brushing style to get the best results. The proper technique differs significantly from manual brushing methods. 

Read on to discover what’s so great about going to a rotating brush, and then learn exactly how to brush your teeth with a rechargeable electric toothbrush. You’ll be well on your way to keeping your smile squeaky clean, while preventing plaque and gum disease. Electric toothbrushes can be a significant investment in your long-term dental health.

Power to your pearly whites: The benefits of electric toothbrushes

As long as you’re brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, you deserve an A+ for oral health. So, whether you pick up a manual or battery-powered toothbrush, it’s up to your preference and budget. But, many of our patients have decided to invest in electric toothbrushes, and haven’t looked back since. Electric models offer several advantages that justify their higher initial cost.

Brushing is a breeze with smart tech like built-in timers, pressure sensors and custom modes for whitening and sensitive teeth. These digital features help ensure proper brushing duration and technique. Ultra-powerful pulsations produce tens of thousands of rotations per minute, delivering a thorough and deep clean to polish away plaque. Plus, models with compact, oscillating heads make it easy to surround each tooth and reach tough spots in the back of your mouth, areas often missed with manual brushing.

Charge up your skills: A handy guide to electric toothbrushes

So, how do you properly brush your teeth with an electric toothbrush? It’s more methodical than most are used to, but once you wrap your head around it, it’ll become second nature to you in no time. The quadrant-based approach ensures comprehensive cleaning of your entire mouth.

1. Work on your mouth in four quadrants: the top right, top left, bottom left and bottom right. You should spend 30 seconds on each section and 2 minutes brushing in total. If your electric brush has a timer, that’s even better, since you’ll get a full and even clean every time. Many premium models indicate when to move to the next quadrant.
2. Hold your brush perpendicular to the tooth, engaging the gumline. Use the bristles on the side furthest from the handle to rock back and forth between the teeth, also called the embrasure. Try to brush with the curvature of the teeth. This is the most effective method for removing plaque and food particles from these hard-to-reach spaces.
3. Place the brush on the outside surface of each tooth for a few seconds at a time. There’s no need to press hard or scrub back and forth—the electric toothbrush will do that for you with its automated motion. Some brands may even buzz at you if you’re applying too much pressure, activating their pressure sensor technology.
4. Move onto the next tooth, holding for a few seconds each time, until you cover the entire quadrant. Once you’ve completed the outside surfaces, be sure to brush the top chewing surfaces, inside and back of your teeth, too. Each surface requires attention for comprehensive cleaning.
5. Repeat with the remaining three quadrants, ensuring you always spend 30 seconds on each section. This timed approach ensures you don’t rush through certain areas of your mouth.
6. Lastly, don’t forget to finish off with flossing, cradling each tooth in a C-motion toward your gum line. Even the best electric toothbrush cannot replace the benefits of flossing between teeth.

Energize your brushing habits: Tips & takeaways

• Whether you go electric or manual, daily brushing and flossing are vital to good oral health and preventing dental problems
• Let your electric toothbrush work its magic and keep the pressure light to avoid wearing away at your gums and enamel over time
• Dock your brush in its charging station after every use, so it’ll always be ready to work when needed
• Always remove the head to rinse thoroughly and dry completely to avoid moisture contamination and bacterial growth
• Replace the head every 3 months, or when the bristles become frayed, to maintain optimal cleaning effectiveness

Looking for a family dentist, orthodontics or teeth cleaning and more in West Edmonton? Contact us or book online today at Lewis Estates Dental.