How to Transition from a Manual to an Electric Toothbrush

Switching to an electric toothbrush is a simple change that can significantly improve your oral health. If you use your electric toothbrush properly, you can accelerate plaque removal, helping to prevent potentially serious conditions like tooth decay and gum disease.

This blog shares how patients can switch from a manual to an electric toothbrush. It also provides a guide to purchasing and using electric toothbrushes, including tips on proper technique.

How to Transition to an Electric Toothbrush

Step 1: Selecting A Toothbrush

You can choose between the two main types of electric toothbrush:

• Oscillating-Rotating Toothbrush: Dentists first developed this type of electric toothbrush. The brush head rotates and spins to remove plaque and debris. These toothbrushes come in a variety of styles and price points. You can choose between battery-operated and rechargeable models.
• Sonic Toothbrush: This advanced toothbrush uses sonic waves to loosen plaque and food particles on the teeth. They are more costly than oscillating-rotating toothbrushes but provide an intense deep clean that promotes better oral health when used as directed.

Step 2: Follow Proper Electric Toothbrush Technique

One of the primary mistakes patients make when using an electric toothbrush is skimping on brushing time. Even if you have a sophisticated electric toothbrush, you must continue brushing for two full minutes twice a day for maximum benefit.

Avoid pressing down on your toothbrush, as the movement of the bristles can cause gum soreness and, in some cases, damage.

Step 3: Care For Your Toothbrush

Most patients know to replace their manual toothbrushes every three months or whenever the bristles become worn. The same principle applies to electric toothbrushes, which most brands have removable brush heads that are easy to interchange.

Keep your device fully charged for best results. If you allow the battery to run down, its performance will suffer, and you will no longer see significant advantages.

Advantages of an Electric Toothbrush

Easy to Use

Electric toothbrushes can benefit everyone, from children to older adults. They make brushing simple for patients with limited mobility and fun for children. Electric toothbrushes frequently include built-in timers that indicate when two minutes have elapsed.

Removes Plaque Efficiently

Moving bristles removes more plaque than manual brushing, especially along the gum line, where plaque can harden into tartar.

Improves Oral Health Outcomes

Patients who use electric toothbrushes have less plaque and tartar on their teeth, which lowers their rates of gum disease and tooth decay.

Removes Surface Stains

Patients who use electric toothbrushes have brighter, healthier-looking teeth since these devices remove more surface stains than manual varieties.

Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Toothbrushes

Why do I have to brush for a full two minutes with an electric model?

Simply moving your brush across your teeth once or twice does not provide the concentrated clean you receive from two minutes of brushing. You can miss plaque and food particles that cause decay and disease.

Does it matter whether I get a rotating or sonic toothbrush?

Purchase a toothbrush you can afford and use it properly. Even the costliest toothbrush will not perform well if patients do not follow these steps.

Our team at Fallin Family Dentistry invites you to schedule an appointment for a professional cleaning and exam. You can ask questions about oral hygiene and consult our doctors about the advantages of an electric toothbrush. Please contact us today to book your visit.