Brushing your teeth twice daily is one of the best ways to protect your smile, dental health, and overall well-being. If you've switched to using an electric toothbrush, you're ahead of the game as it takes a lot of the guesswork out of proper brushing techniques. However, your Oak Terrace dentist will share tips to help you make the most of your electric toothbrush time daily.
#1 Don't Scrub, Gently Glide
When you're brushing your teeth, it's always good to remember that brushing harder is not better, whether you're using an electric or manual toothbrush. In addition, scrubbing your teeth can harm your delicate gum tissues, which, unfortunately, do not regenerate. So, brushing gently is always the key.
With an electric toothbrush, gently gliding along the back, front, and chewing surface of your teeth carefully along the gumline is all you need to do because the electric brush does the hard work for you.
#2 Follow the Timer
Most electric toothbrushes have timers that help you achieve the full two minutes of daily brushing that's optimal for your smile. Some brushes alert you every thirty seconds, while others stop after two minutes. Follow your brush's timer to achieve the best results.
#3 No Need to Press Too Hard
Again, brushing gently is the key to protecting your gums. So hold your brush with a light grip, and don't press too hard as you glide the bristles along your teeth. Some electric toothbrushes will even alert you with a sound or a light if you're pushing too hard.
Don't Forget to Floss
Even though your electric toothbrush helps you make the most of brushing your teeth, you still need to take the time to floss. Flossing removes the plaque and bacteria buildup from in between your teeth, where you can actually get cavities.
If you have questions about brushing or flossing, or if it's time to schedule your next dental appointment, contact your Chicago dentist at (630) 592-4949.