How to use the electric toothbrush correctly

Basic and very simple movements are all that is needed to use an electric toothbrush properly.

Electric toothbrush: 4 tips to use and choose it best

The experts’ advice on the electric toothbrush, converges on one basic fact: because it works “on its own,” one must pay attention to a few specific aspects. Here are a few to start with:

1. Firstly, it is necessary to place the head on each tooth, for at least 30 seconds and for about two minutes over the entire dental arch (top and bottom), without neglecting the parts behind the tooth.
2. Excessive pressure is not necessary to avoid damaging the enamel and gums.
3. In fact, prolonged or overly aggressive use of this type of toothbrush could actually cause inflammation or worse to the gums.
4. The more oscillations, the greater the deep cleaning ability of an electric toothbrush.

Ideally, then, you should alternate tooth brushing with manual brushing, which, when used properly, cleans teeth very well.

Differences in use between electric and manual toothbrush

The shape of the electric toothbrush is designed to follow the gum line: between the gum line and the tooth, in fact, most dental plaque, which is responsible for tooth decay, is deposited.

Therefore, it is necessary to carefully clean the whole area without insisting too much on the peripheral areas to avoid inflammation.

The manual toothbrush should be used with rotary motions, without applying too much pressure and, as with the electric toothbrush, for at least two minutes so that sufficient cleaning is achieved.

A manual toothbrush can also be used to lightly brush the tongue to remove germs and food debris that are also often responsible for bad breath.

Each toothbrush should be chosen according to the size of the mouth and then commensurate with the dental arch; ideally, choose a medium-sized one.

As the bristles tend to bend over time, cleaning less well, the toothbrush should be changed every two months; also,for bristles, prefer those of medium hardness to avoid scratching the gums.

Regarding the electric toothbrush, on the other hand, it is important that it be used for at least 30 to 40 seconds on each tooth to achieve a thorough cleaning.

In addition, electric toothbrush bristles also need to be changed periodically; dentists recommend at least every two to three months to replace them both as a matter of hygiene and so as not to lose cleaning ability.

What is dental plaque?

The
plaque
dental bacteria is a collection of germs aggregated with each other and attached to the surface of teeth; it is among the primary causes of major tooth-related diseases, for example, in addition to caries, alveolar pyorrhea.

Initially, plaque has the appearance of a biofilm, a gelatinous substance – made up of bacterial colonies – but it tends to calcify, turning into tartar if it is not removed first through thorough and constant cleaning.

Tartar should only be removed by targeted professional cleaning to curb the danger of infection and disease.

Which electric toothbrush cleans best?

Electric toothbrushes with better cleaning ability have a circular rotating head; thus, due to the movement of the bristles and vibration, tooth plaque is removed at every point without affecting the gums.

In fact, the latter are easily inflamed because of their delicacy.

As suggested by the dentists of Andi (National Association of Italian Dentists) in a podcast published on Radio 24 (With Carlo Ghirlanda, dentist and ANDI President), in addition to choosing the right toothbrush to remove well the plaque residues deposited on tooth enamel, it is also necessary to floss.

At the Humanitas Gavezzeni Bergamo Dental Center, the correct cleaning methods are suggested:

• Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, making short passes along the outer surface of each tooth;
• The orientation should be from top to bottom for the upper dental arch and from bottom to top for the lower dental arch;

• Chewing surfaces should be cleaned in a forward-backward orientation, not forgetting the whole surface, which should be cleaned by rubbing the brush up and down while keeping it vertical;
• As anticipated, the electric toothbrush should linger for about 30 seconds on each tooth.

The best toothbrushes on the market come with a timer that indicates recommended cleaning times.

This is a technology that provides a thorough cleaning of the teeth, while also providing a whitening effect and removing dental plaque and tartar.

Its effectiveness is also due to the amount of vibration, between 26400-32400 per minute.

But not only that. It also features a special head for facial cleansing, offering a complete hygiene and beauty treatment.

This is a mid-range but super affordable toothbrush, typical of the Jimmy brand.

Other features of the T6 electric toothbrush:

• Recharge anywhere. JIMMY T6 recharges in 5 hours for a battery life of 180 days! The 2500mAh battery can be charged anywhere via USB-C cable.

• Method of use: Normalized cleaning. Whitening. Gentle cleaning. Facial cleansing.

• Built-in timer. To change cleaning zone every 30 seconds.
• Water resistant. It has an IPX7 water resistance rating.
• Head for face. Thoroughly cleanses facial skin of makeup and dirt.

References:

https://www.gavazzeni.it/news/lo-spazzolino-elettrico-pulisce-bene-i-denti/

https://www.andi.it/radio24-i-tre-moschettieri-della-salute-della-bocca/