How to brush your teeth with an electric toothbrush

Brushing teeth with an electric toothbrush is quicker, more convenient and more efficient. In addition, electric toothbrushes are proven to fight tooth decay and gum disease more effectively than manual toothbrushes. They help keep your oral cavity healthy throughout your life.

For a thorough cleanse, you need to brush your teeth with an electric toothbrush for 2-3 minutes. To achieve the same results with a manual toothbrush, your teeth have to be brushed for up to 10 minutes. Furthermore, achieving the right brushing technique is much easier with an electric toothbrush.

Ideally, you should brush your teeth for 2-3 minutes after each meal. This removes any residue from the oral cavity. Residue can lead to dental cavities and gum disease. Should you do not have time, at least brush your teeth in the mornings and evenings. In addition, rinse your mouth with water after any meals throughout the day.

Electric toothbrushes perform significantly more movements per minute than can ever be achieved with a manual toothbrush. Independent studies have repeatedly confirmed their effectiveness in removing dental plaque and in fighting dental caries and gum disease.

The main difference is the way the brush head moves and how it removes plaque. Two technologies are available on the market - vibration and rotation-oscillation. Other differences are to be seen in additional features, such as a timer, pressure sensor, smartphone interface, etc.

When brushing teeth with a manual toothbrush, you guide the toothbrush with your hand and make brush movements with your wrists. An electric toothbrush does most of these movements for you. Keep the toothbrush in one place for a few seconds while brushing your teeth. The movement of the brush head cleans the area and allows you to move on to the next tooth. This way you gradually brush all your teeth. Read more about proper brushing technique below.

Special children's electric toothbrushes are designed to be used from 3 years of age. An attractive design and often compatibility with a fun smartphone or tablet app can motivate children to brush their teeth properly. On the other hand, children should also learn how to properly brush their teeth using a manual toothbrush. You should keep monitoring your children's brushing technique for at least 8 years.

When brushing teeth with an electric toothbrush, you can use the same toothpaste you are used to. Apply a small amount of toothpaste on the brush head and turn the toothbrush on only when it nears the teeth to prevent the toothpaste from spraying.

When buying replacement brush heads, make sure they are compatible with your toothbrush. Besides the standard, manufacturers also offer special brush heads designed for sensitive gums, teeth whitening, massage heads and even a tongue cleaning head.

The brush head should be replaced every three months. You can simply replace it at the start of every season. If the brush head shows any signs of damage, replace it more frequently. Some even have a wear indicator.

Although an electric toothbrush cleans interdental spaces more thoroughly than a manual one, it does not replace interdental brushes. Definitely still keep using dental hygiene accessories, such as dental floss, interdental brushes and toothpicks.

In your case, we recommend using special brush heads meant for sensitive gums. Regular use of an electric toothbrush promotes gum circulation, healing and helps maintain the overall health of the oral cavity.

The cause of periodontitis is chronic gum inflammation and may lead to gingival recession. Electric toothbrushes improve the health of gums and teeth and are also suitable for people suffering from periodontal disease.

If you suffer from tooth and gum sensitivity, we recommend that you choose an electric toothbrush that offers a sensitive brushing mode. These also usually have brush heads designed for sensitive gums.