Are you using your electric toothbrush correctly?

“Electric toothbrushes are more effective at removing plaque – particularly brushes with ‘oscillating’ heads that rotate in both directions”, says dental hygienist Sabina Camber. “They also appeal to children who are attracted by their novelty value. They are particularly useful for people with limited arm or hand movement, such as disabled or elderly people. But many people don’t use them correctly – because they have never been shown how.”

“The biggest mistake most people make when using an electric toothbrush is to use them like a manual toothbrush, brushing vigorously back and forth and applying too much pressure”, explains dental therapist and hygienist Gemma Bealey. “Over time, this can cause bleeding and receding gums and even damage tooth enamel. Instead, you should let your rotating, oscillating toothbrush do all the work.”

Sabina and Gemma’s top tips for power-assisted cleaning are:

• Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle, as you would with a manual toothbrush.
• Gently press down on each tooth for a few seconds before moving on to the next one. Include the gum line as you go.
• Be sure to clean every tooth – don’t neglect the ones that can’t be seen or are harder to get to.
• Repeat the process on the inside surfaces of the teeth
• Brush for two minutes, as recommended, with a manual brush
• Replace your brush head every three months or sooner if the bristles are visibly worn.

“We are always happy to advise patients on their choice of toothbrush and how to use it properly”, adds Gemma. “Why not ask next time you pop in for a dental check-up or hygiene appointment?

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