Do you dream of a beautiful smile? The secret lies in good daily oral hygiene. And the electric toothbrush is your best ally in this area. But it's important to use it correctly to ensure optimal teeth cleaning. HELVIDENT reveals the most common mistakes so you can avoid them.
#1 You perform the same gestures as with a manual toothbrush.
The transition from from manual to electric toothbrushes requires time to adapt. Gestures differ considerably, as does technique. With a manual toothbrush, you clean several teeth at a time, using sweeping movements. With an electric toothbrush, on the other hand, you need to linger on each tooth to give it time to remove plaque as effectively as possible. This operation is repeated on all surfaces, outside, inside and on top. The movement is therefore more static than with a conventional toothbrush.
#2 You are not using a suitable electric toothbrush.
A toothbrush is a personal hygiene accessory. So you need to choose the right one for your needs. That's why there are different models of children's toothbrush and for adults. Manufacturers also offer special heads for sensitive teeth, sore gums or to promote whiteness. You'll have no trouble finding a toothbrush to suit the needs of every member of your family. For those who want to brush their teeth at work or on the move, opt for a pocket-sized electric toothbrush. Its compact size makes it easy to slip into your bag.
#3 You apply too much pressure.
Electric toothbrush manufacturers have specially designed them to make your life easier. It does all the work for you. So there's no need to scrub or even apply pressure. All you have to do is run your electric toothbrush over the tooth surface without applying pressure. The rapid rotations it makes are enough to ensure a good clean. If you brush your teeth too hard, you risk damaging the protective enamel, which in turn weakens the tooth.
#4 You don't get the electric toothbrush into every nook and cranny.
When we smile, only the front of our teeth are visible. We may therefore be tempted to concentrate on the visible surfaces, neglecting the others. But plaque forms everywhere. Food residues and bacteria nestle in every nook and cranny. That's why you need to carefully brush every surface of all your teeth with your electric toothbrush.
Some connected electric toothbrushes are linked to a mobile application. They provide you with personalized information. For example, you can find out which surfaces you tend to forget, and correct your gestures.
#5 You do not respect the minimum brushing time.
People with fast-paced lifestyles may see tooth brushing as a time-consuming chore. However, it's scientifically proven that effective brushing prevents tartar build-up and limits the onset of oral pathologies. By establishing a daily routine, you're investing in your oral health for the long term.
L'World Health Organization recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day, for two minutes each time. Ideally, you should clean your teeth every time you consume a food or drink, with the exception of water. It's best to wait at least 15 minutes after eating or drinking, otherwise you risk damaging your tooth enamel.
One of the practical benefits of the electric toothbrush is the built-in timer. This tells you when you've reached the two-minute mark. Dentists from Lausanne to Fribourg recommend dividing your mouth into four sections. Polish each part for 30 seconds.
#6 You don't change the head of your electric toothbrush often enough.
As with manual toothbrushes, you need to renew your equipment every three months on average. With an electric toothbrush, all you need to do is change the head. In fact, over time, the bristles wear out and sag. As a result, they lose their effectiveness and don't clean your teeth optimally. As soon as you notice wear, install a new head compatible with your electric toothbrush model.
Need more advice on brushing your teeth? Visit an appointment with a dental hygienist in Fribourg, Lausanne or Aigle. HELVIDENT dental clinics are home to a complete team of oral health professionals.
