Mistakes That You Shouldn't Make With a Power Toothbrush

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If your dentist sees signs that you're having trouble keeping your teeth clean while brushing manually, he or she may advocate the use of a power toothbrush. Many dentists recommend these products for certain dental clients, and if you use your power toothbrush correctly, it can be instrumental in helping you to maintain a healthy mouth. Generally, if your dentist recommends this type of toothbrush to you, he or she will often give you some lessons on how to use a power brush before you leave the clinic. As you get used to this change, here are some mistakes that you don't want to make.

Not Being Methodical

It's easy to fall for the misconception that by using a power toothbrush, you're automatically brushing your teeth better than you would with a manual brush. The key thing to remember is that you still need to do the work, and that means holding the brush on each of your teeth for a moment. Failing to be methodical — perhaps by just putting the tip of the brush in your mouth and moving it around for a minute or so — won't yield the results that you and your dentist want to see.

Being Rough on Your Gums

While brushing your gums can be a good way to remove bacteria, you want to be careful about doing so with a power toothbrush. Some people have sensitive gums, and it can be easy to be too rough on them with a power toothbrush. You want to ensure that the bristles on your brush are labeled as soft or extra soft, and you shouldn't apply much pressure when you're touching your gums. Light contact is all that is necessary to remove bacteria and promote a healthier mouth.

Failing to Change the Head

Just as it's important to replace a manual toothbrush regularly, you shouldn't make the mistake of failing to change the head of your power toothbrush. You can buy packs of multiple heads at virtually any pharmacy or supermarket so that you always have a replacement when the need arises. Generally, you'll want to make this change when the bristles on your existing head are splayed out or do not appear to be clean. When you make a point of changing the head regularly, you'll be making an investment in your dental health. If you have any specific questions about using a power toothbrush, consult your dentist or dental hygienist. See this page for more information.


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