How to use an electric toothbrush properly

An electric toothbrush can be a great replacement for a manual toothbrush. To get the most out of an electric toothbrush, however, it’s important to understand how to use one properly. In this blog post, we’ll go over the steps to brushing with an electric toothbrush, and we’ll also answer some of your other questions about this type of brush.

How long should I brush with an electric toothbrush?

Some people think that just because they have an electric toothbrush, they can brush for just one minute or less. The truth is that you need to brush for at least two minutes – and that’s whether you’re using an electric brush or not. In fact, you might need to brush for even longer if you’re using an electric toothbrush than if you were using a manual toothbrush. Sounds counter-intuitive but it’s true! What’s also true is that if you brush for less than two minutes then it means you’re not cleaning your teeth effectively. So make sure to brush your teeth for at least two minutes – and even longer if your teeth need it.

Fortunately, most electric toothbrushes nowadays come with a timer that lets you know how long you’ve been brushing for. This is one reason why dentists often recommend electric toothbrushes over their manual counterparts because with a timer, you can be certain that you’ve brushed to exactly two minutes.

How do I brush with an electric toothbrush?

To clean your teeth with an electric toothbrush, simply follow these steps:

1. First, place the bristles of the toothbrush against your teeth and then turn on the toothbrush.
2. Make small, slow circles against the external surface of the tooth. Try to get under the gums and between your teeth, as these areas are often where plaque and bacteria build up.
3. After a couple of seconds, move on to the next tooth, and then the next, until you’ve cleaned the external surface of all your teeth.
4. At this point, you should still have a minute left to clean the inside surfaces of your teeth. The method here is the same as before – simply place the bristles of the brush against your teeth and make small, circular movements. You should clean each tooth for around two seconds before moving on to the next one.

Should I brush my tongue with an electric toothbrush?

The answer is yes, you should. This is because your tongue is an area where bacteria can accumulate.

To clean your tongue with an electric toothbrush, simply place the toothbrush head against your tongue, turn the toothbrush on and then gently scrub your tongue clean.

How often should I change my toothbrush head?

It’s best to change your toothbrush head every three months or so. Also, you should change the head even sooner if you see that the bristles are becoming worn and splayed. By making sure that the toothbrush head you use is in good condition, it will make brushing your teeth more effectively.

If you’d like to speak to one of our dentists about electric toothbrushes or any other dental topic, simply make an appointment with by our friendly reception staff!