There are a lot of different opinions on whether it’s best to brush your teeth with a regular or an electric toothbrush. You might have heard that brushing your teeth too vigorously with an electric toothbrush can ruin your tooth enamel. Dentist Dr Edit Fekete is here to set the record straight and offer some handy advice on how to use an electric toothbrush properly.
What are the benefits of an electric toothbrush?
- Allows for more thorough cleaning
- Can clean between teeth more easily due to the smaller cleaning head
- The multi-directional movement of the head produces better cleaning results with less effort
- Some electric toothbrushes measure brushing time and pressure, making it easier check you are brushing properly
What should you do to protect your tooth enamel?
Change the head!
The bristles of a toothbrush are specially rounded to prevent damage to the enamel and gums. During everyday use, the bristles will wear down, move out of place and fall out, potentially leading to enamel abrasion. In order to avoid this, you should replace the head of your electric toothbrush every two to three months.
Don’t press too hard!
If you press your toothbrush too hard against your teeth, it can harm the gums and cause damage to the enamel, causing your teeth to become sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. Applying less pressure and brushing your teeth for longer is much more effective and will look after your teeth. Some electric toothbrushes have a pressure sensor, so it might be a good idea to buy a model with this feature if you need to brush up on your technique.
Wait before brushing after eating acidic foods!
Consuming acidic food and drinks affects pH levels in the mouth and can cause a softening of the enamel. Cleaning your teeth at this time can damage the surface of the teeth, so we recommend holding off before brushing. If you wait at least half an hour, you shouldn’t have a problem.
What food and drink do you need to look out for?
Acidic food
- Apples
- Citrus fruit
- Pickled foods
- Sour candy
Acidic drinks
- Sodas
- Alcohol
- Energy drinks
- Tea
- Fruit juice
Electric toothbrushes are essentially a good choice and are great if you want to make sure you give your teeth a really good clean. Follow the simple rules above to keep the enamel of your teeth healthy. If you prefer to use a conventional toothbrush, make sure you choose one with soft bristles and brush for a longer using gentle, circular movements.
