How to Use an Electric Toothbrush (with Pictures)

2024 Author: Jason Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 10:50

Oral health is an important part of general health. Because it can rotate faster than hand movements, electric toothbrushes can help make teeth cleaner than manual toothbrushes. By following the proper technique of using an electric toothbrush and the recommendation of brushing your teeth twice a day, you can keep your teeth white and clean, breath fresh, and help prevent cavities and other infections.

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Part 1 of 2: Using an Electric Toothbrush

Step 1. Charge it

You won't be able to use an electric toothbrush if the battery is depleted or it hasn't been charged. You can continue to connect the toothbrush to its charging cable or replace the battery when it runs out of power. So, you can make sure this toothbrush can be used to its full potential. However, if the toothbrush runs out, you can still use it to brush your teeth manually or use a regular toothbrush if you have one.

Place the electric toothbrush in a place close enough to the sink so that it is easy to reach, but leave a safe distance enough so that this toothbrush will not fall into the sink which can cause you to get an electric shock if it is still connected to a power source.
Consider keeping a spare battery so you can always use an electric toothbrush.

Step 2. Maintain the condition of the toothbrush bristles

Electric toothbrushes have fine, round-tipped nylon bristles which are the most effective for cleaning teeth. Toothbrush bristles will wear out with use. So, to get the most effective results, you should check the condition of this coat regularly.

Make sure there are no sharp or jagged or bent parts on the tip of the toothbrush bristles.
Make sure the toothbrush bristles don't fall out. In addition, also observe the color. If the bristles start to fade, it's time to replace the brush tip with a new one.
Replace the electric toothbrush head every 3-4 months, or more often if you find any signs of damage above.

Step 3. Prepare a toothbrush

Wet a toothbrush with running water and pour a small amount of toothpaste onto the bristles. This step will help prepare your toothbrush for maximum cleaning of your teeth and oral cavity. You can also apply toothpaste directly to your teeth when the toothbrush is not turned on to help distribute the toothpaste more evenly throughout your mouth.

Consider using a fluoride toothpaste, which can help strengthen teeth and remove disease-causing plaque and tooth decay.
If your teeth are sensitive due to the brittle enamel layer, consider a fluoride toothpaste formulated to minimize tooth sensitivity.

Step 4. Divide the mouth into 4 areas

Divide your mouth into 4 areas, top, right, left, and bottom when brushing your teeth regularly. This step can help ensure that you brush all of your teeth and oral cavity.

You can start brushing from whichever area you like or are most comfortable with, spending about 40 seconds brushing each area while cleaning the entire tooth surface.
Also make sure to brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth.

Step 5. Position the toothbrush bristles along the gum line

Point the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line. Maintain contact between the bristles of the toothbrush and the tooth surface and gum line to ensure you are brushing effectively.

Just press the toothbrush gently because too much pressure can cause injury to the teeth and gums. The vibration of an electric toothbrush can also put a little pressure on the teeth

Step 6. Brush your teeth from the outside in

While keeping the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, brush the outer surfaces of 2-3 teeth back and forth. Once you've finished brushing an area of your teeth, move to the inside of your teeth and repeat brushing the same way.

A circular motion can be obtained by touching the toothbrush to the gum line and then moving it against the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Be sure to brush your gums with gentle pressure, and avoid holding the toothbrush too long at the gum line as the rotation can cause the gums to sag over time.
To brush the back of the front teeth, tilt the toothbrush vertically and move the top half of the brush up and down.

Step 7. Clean the biting surfaces, tongue, and soft palate

You should also brush your tongue and roof of your mouth as well as the biting surfaces on your teeth to help wash away dirt and bacteria that cause bad breath.

Brush the biting surface of the teeth and tongue gently back and forth.
Use the same back and forth motion with equal or gentler pressure to clean the soft palate or palate.

Step 8. Brush your teeth thoroughly and gently

Take at least 2 minutes to brush your teeth, or about 30 seconds for each area. Brushing like this at least twice a day can help prevent cavities and tooth decay by minimizing dirt and bacteria in the mouth.

Avoid brushing your teeth too hard because it can cause tooth enamel erosion and gums to drop.
If you have trouble remembering 2 minutes to brush your teeth, buy an electric toothbrush with a timer. That way, you won't have to estimate the time to brush your teeth and can make this routine a little more effective. However, you can still brush your teeth a little longer than 2 minutes so you have time to clean the underside of your tongue and scrub your tongue and roof of your mouth.
Pressing too hard on the toothbrush can damage the gums or tooth enamel.
Wait 30-60 minutes after eating or drinking acidic foods to help maintain tooth enamel. That way, saliva has enough time to restore minerals to tooth enamel and create an alkaline environment in the mouth. While waiting, chew xylitol-containing gum after eating and before brushing your teeth.

Step 9. Clean between teeth with dental floss

Even if you have brushed your teeth thoroughly, dentists still recommend flossing between them twice a day. Cleaning between teeth like this can help remove plaque and food debris that is trapped and can't be reached by a toothbrush. When flossing between your teeth, be sure to push the floss all the way up to your gums so you can massage the gum surface at the same time, not just scrolling the floss between your teeth.

Remove about 45 cm of dental floss from its packaging. Wrap one end around your middle finger. After that, to clean between your teeth more effectively, you can pinch the floss with your thumb and index finger.
Make sure to gently floss between your teeth. Curl the floss between your teeth at the gum line.
Rub the floss between all the teeth up and down. Try to remove the plaque that builds up under the gums and practice flossing until you get the best results.
You can brush your teeth or clean between your teeth with floss first. However, several studies have shown that flossing between teeth before brushing can increase the efficacy of fluoride.

Step 10. Use mouthwash

After brushing and flossing between your teeth, rinse your mouth with clean water and mouthwash. Several studies have shown that mouthwash can reduce plaque and gingivitis and improve overall oral health. Mouthwash can also help get rid of any remaining food particles or other germs.

Wash the entire mouth area with water and mouthwash.
Mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine are usually preferred. Meanwhile, mouthwash that contains alcohol can dry out the mouth and cause bad breath or even thrush and mouth ulcers.

Step 11. Store the electric toothbrush

When you are done brushing your teeth, rinse the brush head and then return it to its storage area. Storing a toothbrush like this can help maintain its condition while prolonging its life. Remove the brush from the handle then run it with tap water for a few seconds. Position the toothbrush upright in the handle until it dries.

Rinsing the toothbrush with tap water will help remove any remaining dirt or toothpaste.
Do not cover the toothbrush head because it can actually help the growth of bacteria.
Be sure to store the toothbrush in an upright position.

Part 2 of 2: Maintaining Oral Health

Step 1. Brush your teeth and clean between them 2 times a day

Brushing your teeth and flossing between your teeth can improve oral health. A clean environment can prevent cavities, infections, and stains on teeth.

Brush your teeth and clean between meals if you can. Trapped food debris or other debris can cause infection and tooth decay. Chewing gum can help minimize this risk if you can't brush your teeth after eating

Step 2. Avoid foods and drinks that contain sugar and acids

Foods and drinks like this can also cause damage to the oral cavity. So, monitoring your food intake can help maintain your oral health. Cleaning your teeth after eating these foods can also minimize the risk of cavities and infections.

A healthy and balanced diet consisting of low-fat protein, vegetables and fruits, and legumes can help improve general health, including dental health. Raw fruits and vegetables are the best choice. Raw fruits and vegetables can stimulate the gums and teeth by improving blood circulation which prevents tooth decay, dental disease, or even periodontitis. In addition, choose whole wheat bread and avoid foods that contain sugar to reduce the amount of acid intake.
Some healthy foods are also acidic, such as citrus fruits and grapes. You can still enjoy food and drinks like this. However, reduce the amount and consider brushing your teeth 30 minutes afterward to prevent erosion of tooth enamel.
Some examples of foods and drinks that contain sugar and acids that you should avoid include soft drinks, candy, and wine.

Step 3. Use an alcohol-free mouthwash and toothpaste

Mouthwashes and toothpastes that contain alcohol can damage tooth enamel and cause general oral health problems. Use non-alcoholic toothpaste and mouthwash to minimize your risk of these problems.

Step 4. Don't grind your teeth

If you close your mouth and grit your teeth, you can cause damage to your teeth and mouth. If you grind your teeth frequently, talk to your dentist about wearing a mouth guard.

Grinding teeth can cause sensitive teeth and damage such as cracks and chipping of teeth.
Biting your nails, opening bottles, or pinching objects with your teeth are also bad habits. Avoid this habit as much as possible to prevent tooth decay.

Step 5. Visit the dentist regularly

Schedule a dental check-up twice a year. If you have problems with your teeth, visit the dentist more often. This treatment can help improve dental and oral health, and detect problems early so they don't develop into major problems.