In general, brushing your teeth twice daily is an important facet of maintaining optimal oral health. Whether you use a manual toothbrush or a rechargeable toothbrush, create healthy habits to keep strong, clean teeth and gums. With the emergence of technology, now there are various ways to do just that. Many of my patients find joy in using a rechargeable toothbrush that may cut down the level of effort required to brush twice a day. So what exactly does a rechargeable toothbrush do differently than a manual one? Let’s explore that.
Electric vs. Manual
First, there are key differences between an electric toothbrush and a standard toothbrush. A power-charged toothbrush uses a rotating and/or oscillating technology to deliver more powerful cleaning results. Thus, you only need to guide the toothbrush as it provides the movement and force necessary to clean the gums and teeth. This is very different from a manual toothbrush, which requires more arm and hand motion to reach the same areas of the mouth with the same level of intensity.
How to Use a Rechargeable Toothbrush
It’s quite easy, which contributes to the increasing appeal of using an electric toothbrush. Simply apply toothpaste to the brush head and then hold the brush at a 45-degree angle inside the mouth, the same way you’d hold a standard toothbrush. Switch on the toothbrush and move the brush head to each tooth as it applies a gentle rotating motion. Be sure to brush all surfaces of each tooth. All in all, you should spend at least 2 minutes guiding the brush over each quadrant of the mouth (right/left upper and right/left bottom teeth). Some rechargeable brushes have built-in timers that will vibrate when it’s time to move on to the next section. Being gentle with your teeth is an important note to remember, as this method will not require the same level of pressure on the teeth.
From Oral B to Philips and Waterpik, there are various brands of rechargeable toothbrushes on the market. Each type will vary in brush head size, intensity, types of available removable brush heads, and cost. So be sure to pick one that’s right for you. If you have questions about the best type of toothbrush to use for your unique smile, let‘s chat about it. Give us a call to schedule your next cleaning!