DISCLOSURE: Noelle Copeland RDH is the oral care specialist and dental consultant to the Brilliant and Baby Buddy oral care lines through Compac Industries. See terms below
Each electric toothbrush should include specific instructions created by the manufacturer. These instructions need to be followed for optimum results and safety. Not only can an electric toothbrush damage teeth if used incorrectly, so can a manual toothbrush, for that matter. Just like so many other areas in life, “operator error” accounts for a lot of mishaps, misfortunes, and negative side effects.
Electric toothbrush technology is an advancement in oral care that has elevated the effects of regular toothbrushing “exponentially” when used correctly. So in hindsight, the short answer is “ No”, electric toothbrushes don't damage the teeth directly, but the more important explanation is “Yes”, they CAN damage the teeth, indirectly, when used incorrectly.
Electric toothbrushes can clean the teeth and gums in 2 ways.
Contact cleaning:
Non-Contact Cleaning:
Types of Electric Toothbrushes
Rotating-Oscillating Electric toothbrushes-
Types of frequencies available
A high frequency sonic toothbrush
A low frequency sonic toothbrush
Change the brush head every 3 months for any model toothbrush
It's easier to use an electric toothbrush head past its expiration time, for one reason - because they are more expensive to replace. You still want to change the head, at least every 3 months, and sooner if the bristles are worn. However if you are wearing your bristles down before a 3 month mark, you need to consider that you may be brushing too hard!
Using too much pressure or none at all
Some people are just heavy-handed brushers. They do a great job scrubbing away the plaque on their teeth, along with scrubbing away their tooth enamel and gum tissue. This is extremely amplified if also using a powered electric toothbrush.
On the flip side is "not using any pressure", and this really comes into play mostly for kids who get the brush in their mouth but end up doing very little “brushing” with it. This is why parent supervision is so important. The best tools are utterly useless if they are used incorrectly.
Too much pressure…
Not enough pressure…
Battery Powered Electric toothbrush for kids
Brilliant has the best electric toothbrush for kids to start out their electric toothbrushing experience. Designed with a gentle sonic motor that produces smooth sonic waves that reach more places than brushing alone. Characters like The Duck, Penguin, and Dinosaur Include:
Conclusion
If you are unsure about what type of electric toothbrush you should be using, please consult with your dental professional first. Don't ask your friend who works at a dental office but has never seen your teeth outside of your pretty smile. Get the professional advice from the person who knows your mouth, teeth, gums and history.
If you already struggle with gum recession, abfractions, or enamel wear, an electric toothbrush may not be the best fit for you and only someone who is actively caring for your oral health professionally can help guide you through that decision.
If you do feel confident in choosing an electric model to use, please follow the manufacturer's instructions for brushing. Utilize all the bells and whistles that come with your unit, like pressure sensors, timers, app trackers, auto refill programs, and be sure to change the brush head every 3 months.
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This article is intended to provide an understanding of and knowledge about “oral health topics” as expressed through the perspective and experience of the author. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or counsel, including the diagnosis or treatment of any condition. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, an oral condition, illness or treatment of any listed or non listed situation above. By using this site, you signify your assent to our Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree to all of these Terms and Conditions, do not use this site.
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