GoKawiilBrushing your teeth may seem like a mindless activity during which you can daydream or scroll on your phone, but not paying attention to what you're doing can affect your dental health. Especially compared to a manual toothbrush, many assume that they simply need to run an electric toothbrush over their teeth and call it a day. But if you use it incorrectly, it can hurt your teeth instead of helping them.
Even if you've been a long-time electric toothbrush user, it's always a good idea to refresh your memory on how to correctly use one.
How to correctly use an electric toothbrush
Ready to make the switch to a powered toothbrush? Or, are you ready to learn how to use yours correctly? Fortunately, using one of these brushes is relatively simple and requires no more effort than using a manual toothbrush.
Charge your toothbrush: Your electric toothbrush should have an indicator that lights when it is charged.
Outside surfaces: Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and begin brushing the outside surfaces of your teeth. Hold the brush's rotating heads against each tooth for 2 to 5 seconds before moving on to the next one.
Inner surfaces: After brushing the outer surfaces of your teeth, move to the inner surfaces, holding the brush's rotating heads against them for 2 to 5 seconds before moving on to the next tooth.
Chewing surfaces: Next, hold your brush's head against the chewing surfaces of your teeth. Hold your brush against each surface for a few seconds before moving on to the next.
Get the gums: You're not done yet. Run the rotating heads of your electric toothbrush along your gum line and on your gums. This will remove any remaining plaque in your mouth.
Brush your tongue: As a final step, gently brush the roof of your mouth and your tongue. This is a good way to remove stubborn food particles, and brushing these areas of your mouth can also help freshen your breath.
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