Content

• To step
• Tips
• Warnings

You should brush your teeth regularly to keep them nice and white and your breath as fresh as a sprig of peppermint. You know the old manual toothbrush, but now you have a new electric toothbrush, and you may be wondering how best to use it. This article will show you how!

To step

1. Charge it. Without power, your electric toothbrush is just a large manual toothbrush. Put it in the charger, or replace the batteries if you notice it running low. Place the charger close enough to the sink for easy access, but far enough away that you don't accidentally knock it over in the sink, at the risk of getting electrocuted.
2. Keep your brush in shape. Your electric toothbrush should have soft nylon bristles for the most brushing effectiveness. These bristles will wear out after a few months of regular use and become much less efficient, so be sure to replace the brush if you notice the inevitable wear and tear.
   • Changing your brush regularly is not only good for brushing, it is also good for hygiene. Research has shown that thousands of microbes live on a toothbrush - most are harmless, but changing your brush regularly is an effective way to avoid potential problems.
3. Wet your toothbrush. Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride paste on the brush. Too much toothpaste will foam, which will make you tend to spit and finish too soon.
4. Divide your mouth into quadrants: top, left and right, and bottom, left and right. Start in one of the top quadrants, at the gum line, with the brush pointing upward at a 45 degree angle towards your gums.
   • Press gently and move the brush in small circles, brushing a few teeth at a time. The movements of your electric toothbrush will ensure a thorough cleaning.
5. Brush thoroughly. Spend at least 30 seconds on each quadrant, brushing the outside of your teeth, the inside, between the teeth, and all chewing surfaces. In total you want to brush for about two to three minutes.
   • Pressing too hard can damage your gums or wear down your enamel. In addition, brushing immediately after eating acidic foods or juices such as orange juice or lemonade can break down the enamel. It is best to wait 30 to 60 minutes before brushing.
6. Brush your tongue. It will brush away bacteria that can cause bad breath. Don't brush too aggressively or you could damage the tissue of your tongue.
7. Rinse your mouth. When you do this, take a sip of water, let it circulate in your mouth, and spit it out.
   • There is some debate as to whether or not this is advisable. While some think it decreases the effectiveness of the topical fluoride treatment, others want to make sure you're not getting fluoride. There are also people who just don't want to have toothpaste in their mouth! If you have an increased risk of cavities, it may be good not to rinse, or to rinse with a little bit of water - essentially creating a fluoride mouthwash.
   • Other studies have shown that rinsing after brushing does not significantly affect the effectiveness of brushing with a fluoride paste.
8. Rinse your toothbrush. Remove the brush from the handle and hold it under the tap for a few seconds. Place it upright in the container to dry.
9. Finish with a fluoride-based mouthwash. (Optional) Take a small sip of mouthwash, let it circulate in your mouth for about 30 seconds, and spit it out. Make sure you don't swallow anything.
10. Put the handle back in the charger or holder. Make sure to keep it charged so that your toothbrush is always ready to use.
    • If the brush is already fully charged, unplug it so you don't waste electricity.

Tips

• Electric toothbrushes deliver 3000 to 7500 movements per minute; sonic toothbrushes up to 40,000 movements! Good brushing by hand, on the other hand, produces about 600 movements per minute. However, studies have shown that good, thorough brushing with a manual brush is just as effective as electric brushing. The key is to have regular, effective brushing habits!
• Brush at least twice a day or after every meal.
• Make sure to brush every part of every tooth.
• Don't forget to floss!

Warnings

• Avoid getting electrocuted.
• Do not press the brush too hard against your teeth.