Safest Teeth Whiteners
The safest ways to whiten your teeth explained
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Toothbrushes clean your teeth and maintain proper oral hygiene. However, using an electric toothbrush is a bit different from using a regular toothbrush.2
An electric toothbrush can be better than a standard toothbrush, but only if you use it correctly.
An electric toothbrush uses oscillating and vibrating rotation to help remove plaque and food particles from your teeth. The bristles may either move back and forth or oscillate in a rotation.
Unlike a manual brush, you have to charge an electric toothbrush to keep it alive. Most electric toothbrushes plug into a typical wall outlet. Others are battery-operated.
Using an electric toothbrush is simple. Here’s how to use an electric toothbrush properly:
Using this brushing technique helps keep your teeth clean. It removes plaque and tartar buildup from the inner and outer surfaces of your teeth.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with the correct technique, once in the morning and once in the evening.5
You should also be sure to floss between your teeth. It’s generally better to floss before brushing your teeth. Floss between each tooth in a C-shape along your gum line for a few seconds.
Use mouthwash to rinse your mouth after brushing for optimal oral hygiene.
Make sure to replace your toothbrush every few months, just like you would a manual toothbrush. All kinds of toothbrushes should be replaced after three to four months of use.
With some brands, you can replace just the electric toothbrush head. This way, you don’t need to get a new toothbrush every time.
Both electric toothbrushes and manual toothbrushes are considered effective.
However, there are many pros to electric toothbrushes that may make them better than regular toothbrushes for some people:
People with limited dexterity may also prefer an electric toothbrush that requires less manual work.3
This includes people with the following health issues:
Likewise, people with orthodontic appliances like braces may have an easier time brushing with an electric toothbrush.
The benefits of using an electric toothbrush are manifold. Electric toothbrushes tend to reduce plaque and gingivitis more than manual ones.
Plaque is reduced by 21 percent and gingivitis by 11 percent after three months of using an electric toothbrush.4
There aren’t many downsides to using an electric toothbrush properly. The biggest con is that it’s more expensive than a traditional toothbrush.
They can range in price from about $15 to about $250. In comparison, you can buy a manual toothbrush (or a pack) for just a few dollars.
Also, you may not have easy access to an outlet near the sink where you brush your teeth.
If you travel often, you may also need an outlet adapter for your electric toothbrush, which will also take up more space in your luggage.
There are different types of electric toothbrushes. It’s up to you to decide which kind is right for you.
Look out for several key factors:
Electric toothbrushes are available in most pharmacies. You can also shop for electric toothbrushes online, including through third-party platforms like Amazon.
Oral-B, for example, sells a range of electric toothbrushes.1
Oral-B award-winning toothbrushes are designed for different needs, from whitening to sensitivity. The best-sellers range from about $30 to $150.1
This brand also sells replacement heads for your electric toothbrush, so you don’t have to replace the entire brush every few months. They come in packs of two to six electric toothbrush heads ranging from $37 to $60.
Generic heads for electric toothbrushes are also available for about $.70 each
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