How to properly brush your teeth with an electric one. How to properly brush your teeth with an electric brush. Where should you not store your toothbrush?

1. Choose toothpaste with adequate fluoride content

Fluorine is a gas. To introduce it into toothpaste, it is combined with other elements and gets solids fluorides. They are able to destroy bacteria that cause caries, as well as strengthen tooth enamel.

Dentists recommend for adults Fluoride choose a toothpaste that contains 1,350–1,500 ppm fluoride. The value must be indicated on the tube or packaging.

Children - from 1,000 ppm. However, here you need to make sure that the amount of toothpaste on the brush does not exceed the size of a pea.

Dentists consider the use of fluoride toothpastes to be one of the most effective ways caries prevention.

Start cleaning with the left or right threes or fours of the upper jaw.

Place the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to the surface of the tooth.

Brush your teeth with short back-and-forth movements in a horizontal and vertical direction. Make sure that each tooth gets at least 10 movements. Walk in this way along the outer surface of all teeth on the upper and lower jaws.

Using a back and forth motion, brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth on the lower and upper jaws.

Brush the inside surfaces of your teeth. To do this, position the brush as vertically as possible and move it up and down.

Complete the procedure. Use bristles or a special relief pad on the back of the brush to sweep away plaque, starting from the base of the tongue and moving to its tip.

For visual instructions on how to properly brush your teeth, see here:

5. Don't neglect flossing

Bacteria that cause tooth decay often hide from brushes in the narrow spaces between teeth. To get them out of there, and at the same time get rid of pieces of food stuck between your teeth, use dental floss once a day Brushing Your Teeth.

6. Do not use mouthwash immediately after brushing

It can wash away the fluoride. If you feel the need, rinse your mouth at another time: after eating or at least 20–30 minutes after you have treated your teeth with toothpaste.

What mistakes when brushing your teeth can cause tooth decay?

Here are some common mistakes 8 Bad Brushing Habits to Break in 2019, which make cleaning at best ineffective, and at worst - useless and even harmful.

1. You use the same toothbrush for more than 3-4 months

Worn and broken bristles cannot effectively remove plaque from teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends replacing your toothbrush with a new one every quarter.

2. You press too hard on the brush when brushing.

You may feel like scrubbing harder will remove more bacteria and food debris. But that's not true. To achieve a high-quality surface of the tooth, careful and even gentle movements are sufficient. But excessive assertiveness can damage the gums and even tooth enamel.

For the same reason, you should not use a brush with too stiff bristles.

3. You brush your teeth immediately after eating

Dentists recommend waiting at least 60 minutes. This is especially important if you have eaten something sour (for example, lemons, grapefruits) or drank soda. These products soften tooth enamel and brushing may be harmful.

If you're desperate to freshen your mouth immediately after eating, rinse it with water or chew gum.

4. You're not storing your brush correctly.

You should not keep it in a closed container: microbes actively multiply in such places, which you then carry directly into your mouth on the bristles. The best way Store the brush in an upright position outdoors.

5. You don't follow proper brushing technique.

It is important to thoroughly and thoughtfully clean all dental surfaces, not just those that are easiest to reach. Remember why you are brushing your teeth. This procedure is not for show, its purpose is to keep teeth healthy and protect them from caries. So use your brush carefully.

Brushing your teeth is a procedure that billions of people around the world do every day, morning or evening. But do we know everything about this seemingly simple thing? It turns out that not everyone knows how to brush their teeth correctly, how to hold a brush correctly, and what movements to brush their teeth with. And the wrong technique for brushing your teeth can negate all the benefits of this procedure.

Why do you need to brush your teeth?

Such cleaning is not a natural physiological procedure. However, thousands of years ago, people noticed that if you brush your teeth after eating, this reduces the likelihood of dental diseases. Since there were no dentists before, any caries led to tooth loss. Now, of course, the situation has changed for the better. However, preventing a disease is easier than treating it. In addition, dental treatment is not a cheap thing and, in addition, is associated with stress. We should also take into account the fact that our diet has undergone major changes over the centuries. Our diet has become more carbohydrate-rich foods, which create a good environment for the proliferation of cariogenic bacteria. Consequently, the probability of caries occurring in an individual person is close to 100%.

There's only one thing prophylactic, which allows, if not to guarantee the absence of the disease, then at least to reduce the likelihood of its occurrence, is cleaning the oral cavity with a toothbrush. This is not some kind of magic ritual, creating invisible protection around the teeth. Cleansing the oral cavity has a very practical meaning - removing food particles and plaque from the surface of the teeth, which create conditions for the development of caries.

Basic rules for brushing your teeth

Most people have firmly learned from childhood that they need to brush their teeth every day, and at least twice a day. However, learning is one thing, but in practice, not everyone follows this rule. Which inevitably leads to dental health deteriorating, and we have to go to the dentist’s office.

How many times a day should this hygiene procedure be performed? Perhaps many will think that the more often the better, but this is not so. Experts, however, do not have a consensus on this matter. At least everyone agrees that a two-time procedure, carried out in the morning and evening, is mandatory.

The most useful and, of course, mandatory procedure is the evening procedure. This is due to the fact that during the day, teeth are more or less protected from the effects of plaque due to the cleansing properties of saliva. At night, saliva is secreted in very small quantities. But cariogenic bacteria that live in the mouth, unlike people, do not sleep and engage in their destructive activities at night, without encountering any obstacles. And many people on own experience They can confirm this when they get up in the morning with a strange taste in their mouth, aching gums, and even teeth. These are all the results of the vital activity of harmful dental microflora. Therefore, in order to keep these bacteria as low as possible, thorough evening cleansing of the oral cavity is necessary.

As for brushing your teeth in the morning, doctors have different views. It is clear that it needs to be carried out, but when? Previously, the prevailing opinion was that, like the evening procedure, it should be done after a meal. However, recently it has become a popular point of view that the procedure is best performed before breakfast, on an empty stomach. This is due to the fact that in the morning it is necessary to destroy as quickly as possible those bacteria from the plaque that managed to form overnight.

The situation is even more complicated with the daily teeth brushing procedure. Many experts are inclined to believe that it is not mandatory. The fact is that during the day the protective mechanisms that protect teeth from caries are in full force. And an unnecessary procedure is an unwanted load on the teeth. Therefore, cleaning your mouth during the day is not necessary and may even be harmful. In addition, most people usually do not have the opportunity to brush their teeth during the day after eating. Therefore, daily brushing of teeth can be replaced by rinsing the mouth with an antiseptic solution or cleaning the teeth with dental floss.

Also, many people make a big mistake when they start brushing their teeth immediately after eating. In fact, at least half an hour should pass between finishing your meal and cleaning. This pause is due to the fact that immediately after eating, tooth enamel is most vulnerable.

Which toothpaste is best for brushing your teeth?

The choice of toothpaste must be taken carefully. The most useful toothpastes are those containing fluoride, which strengthens tooth enamel. Many toothpastes also contain calcium, an anti-inflammatory that is beneficial for gum disease. Whitening pastes contain abrasive materials that give the enamel an impeccable shine. But such toothpaste should not be used by those with weak enamel. Fluoride-containing toothpastes should not be used for fluorosis or for children under 3 years of age. No matter how good the toothpaste you use, doctors advise periodically changing toothpastes so that the effects of the components contained in different varieties pastes would have a complex effect on the teeth.

Do not apply a lot of toothpaste to the head. Usually a small amount of paste, about the size of a pea, is enough. Otherwise, a lot of foam will form when brushing, which will make it difficult to clean your teeth. In addition, if you use a large amount of toothpaste, it will inevitably be swallowed and end up in the stomach, and this can lead to fluoride poisoning.

How to brush your teeth?

In stores you can find a variety of brushes of all shapes, sizes, characteristics and prices. Do I need to buy the most expensive brush? It turns out not. The brush must correspond to its purpose, and it is determined based on factors associated with a particular person - his age, the condition of the oral cavity and teeth.

All brushes are divided into 5 main categories according to criteria such as bristle stiffness:

very soft,
soft,
average,
hard,
very tough.

For most people with healthy teeth and gums, products with medium-hard bristles are suitable. Soft and very soft brushes are designed for people with sensitive gums and children. Hard bristles are necessary for those who have dentures, as well as those who have an increased intensity of tartar formation.

The toothbrush needs to be changed periodically, and the more often this is done, the better. This is due not only to the fact that hair accumulates a large number of bacteria, but also with bristle degradation. Individual hairs lose their rigidity, bend, and such a brush ceases to be useful. The maximum service life of a toothbrush, even the most expensive one, is 3 months. And some brushes can become unusable even faster. Some brush models are equipped with a colored stripe on the bristles. As soon as it loses its color, the brush must be changed. Before each cleaning, the brush must be rinsed with water, or even better, with a disinfectant solution.

It is unacceptable for several people to brush their teeth with the same brush. This may lead to the spread of infection. Everyone should have their own individual remedy to cleanse the oral cavity.

Electric brushes

Since their introduction, electric toothbrushes have caused heated debate among experts. There is still an opinion that electric brushes are not able to completely replace manual ones.

However, electric brushes have some advantages over manual brushes. The bristles included in their heads make tens of vibrations per second, and in the direction that is optimal from the point of view of efficiency. Thus, an electric brush can be useful for those who do not know how to properly brush their teeth with a manual brush or are simply too lazy to do so, for people with limited hand functionality. Modern electric brushes have replaceable heads that must be replaced periodically.

Cleaning scheme with a regular brush

How to brush your teeth correctly? It is necessary to brush your teeth so that not a single tooth is missed. All surfaces of the teeth must be cleaned - front, side, back, chewing (upper). On average, the procedure should take at least 3 minutes.

Brushing usually begins with the front teeth, and then moves on to the chewing teeth. When cleaning the molars, they go from the very end of the dentition to the front teeth. First of all, clean the outer surface, then the inner one. It is better to brush your lower teeth first and then your upper teeth. The upper teeth may need a little more attention as they tend to collect less saliva and are more vulnerable to the effects of tooth decay. Increased attention Hard-to-reach molars also require.

Is it necessary to brush your gums? Most dentists believe that healthy gums do not require cleaning. The only exceptions are gums affected by gingivitis or the patient having periodontitis. Cleaning the gums should be done with the softest bristles.

After completing the procedure, the mouth must be rinsed, but not too thoroughly, so that some of the fluoride-containing substances remain on the enamel. The brush must be rinsed thoroughly after the procedure.

Tongue cleansing

In addition to teeth, many doctors also recommend tongue cleaning. After all, a harmful coating also forms on the tongue. To clean your tongue, it is better to use a special scraper rather than a brush. Although many brushes have tubercles on the back, designed specifically for cleaning the tongue. You should not use toothpaste when cleaning your tongue. This type of cleaning is carried out at night.

Correct movements

Not all people hold their instrument correctly for cleaning the oral cavity, and not everyone makes movements in the right direction. According to doctors, it is best to hold the brush at an angle of 45° to the line of the mouth. It is best to move the brush not left and right, as most people do, but up and down. For each tooth, 3-4 similar movements will be enough. This principle of movement ensures that plaque will be removed from the surface of the enamel and not driven into the interdental spaces. Hand movements are best done in the direction away from the gum. Otherwise, the gums may be injured, and the plaque will not be removed, but will be driven into the gum pockets. This applies to the anterior, lateral and posterior dental surfaces. The chewing surfaces of molars, however, can be treated differently. Horizontal or rotational movements are more suitable here. We should not forget that movements should not be too sudden. You don't need to press too hard on the brush.

It would seem that daily brushing of teeth is a simple matter, is it worth devoting an entire article to it? Dentists say that most of us brush our teeth incorrectly, and this leads to a number of oral problems. Improper oral hygiene can cause diseases of the teeth and gums, lead to bad breath, and darkening of tooth enamel.

Why brush your teeth?

The oral cavity is one of the most exposed to environment places in the body. Billions of bacteria live in the mouth. We are given teeth for mechanical processing of food, i.e. chewing food, the remains of which may get stuck between the teeth. This creates a breeding ground for microorganisms. If a person has not brushed his teeth for a long time, bacteria multiply very quickly and a soft plaque forms.

This plaque is very destructive for teeth, because... produces acid that destroys tooth enamel. If you do not clean it off, the tooth will soon be susceptible to carious lesions. In addition, plaque contributes to the disruption of the natural barrier to infections in the mouth. It can also cause halitosis - unpleasant odor from the mouth, formation of tartar.

If we regularly clean our teeth of soft plaque, we will not give microorganisms a single chance to cause caries and other problems.

How often should you brush your teeth?

It is necessary to brush your teeth at least 2 times a day - in the morning after breakfast and in the evening before bed. Dentists recommend a three-minute duration of brushing with a toothbrush (i.e., at least 3 minutes).

In addition to cleaning the external and internal surfaces of the tooth, it is necessary daily Special attention give to interdental spaces. because food debris gets stuck in them, on which plaque—microorganisms—grows very quickly. The interdental spaces are cleaned with special dental flosses without damaging the gums. The floss is carefully inserted between the teeth, bypasses the gums, and removes plaque and food debris from the teeth in the interdental spaces.

Every day you need to finish brushing your teeth with a special rinse, preferably herbal (you can make an infusion yourself). It is important that your daily mouthwash does not contain alcohol or chlorhexidine. The contact time of the rinse with the oral cavity is 30 seconds.

It is also necessary to brush your teeth after every meal. For this, people with healthy teeth will fit chewing gum, which can be used to clean the oral cavity only after eating for no more than 5-7 minutes. In some cases, chewing gum can be harmful for patients with problem teeth, so mouth rinses can be used after meals. Talk to your dentist about how to properly brush your teeth after each meal in your case.

How to choose a toothbrush

Your dentist's advice will be of great help in choosing a toothbrush. A soft brush may not clean your teeth as effectively, and hard bristles can damage your enamel and gums. Most often, a medium-hard brush is used. Many people are interested in what is better - an electric brush or an ordinary one. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth with an electric brush no more than 2-3 times a week, because... otherwise the enamel may be damaged.

Good reviews about ultrasonic brushes. They allow you to remove plaque in hard-to-reach places due to ultrasonic vibrations that lift plaque from the surface. Recommended for sensitive teeth, braces, periodontal diseases, etc. mechanical cleaning difficult. However, the peculiarities of such brushes are their rather high cost, as well as the presence of contraindications - for cancer patients, people with cardiovascular, mental illness, pacemaker and children under 9 years of age.

Choosing a toothpaste

The paste should also be used taking into account the oral condition of each person. One has sensitive teeth - a special toothpaste is needed to reduce sensitivity. Another has such microflora in his mouth that plaque builds up very quickly - he needs an antibacterial one. In the third case, there may be bleeding gums - a paste is needed for gum health. Very often all this can be combined, then a combined action paste is needed.

When choosing a paste manufacturer, you must also focus on your feelings. After all, it is very important that brushing your teeth is comfortable, and if the taste of the toothpaste causes nausea, a person is unlikely to benefit from it. It happens that, apparently due to individual characteristics microflora of the oral cavity after brushing your teeth with certain pastes, after some time a film forms on the oral mucosa, which creates discomfort. In this case, it is better to replace the paste.

Many people want to make their teeth lighter and for this they constantly use whitening toothpastes. Here you need to know that modern whitening pastes most often contain enzymes that facilitate easier removal of plaque. Although these pastes do not harm the enamel, they can only be used daily for 1-2 months. Highly abrasive whitening toothpastes (used mainly for smokers) are more effective, but also dangerous to the enamel. They can only be used 1-2 times a week.

How much toothpaste do you need?

Many people mindlessly squeeze toothpaste along their toothbrush because advertising taught them to do so: back in the 40s, a guy on an advertising poster carefully squeezed toothpaste along the brush. The fact is that the task of marketers is to teach us to buy more than necessary and thus sell us as many products as possible.

The main task of toothpaste is to provide mechanical cleaning of the surface of the teeth with a brush. The paste is designed to soften the hardness of the brush, reduce its trauma and soften plaque. Too much toothpaste will reduce the effectiveness of your toothbrush.

So how much toothpaste should you squeeze onto your brush? effective cleaning? Every dentist will tell you that there should be a “pea-sized amount” of toothpaste on your brush.

How to brush your teeth correctly

It must be said that germs need to be removed not only from the teeth, but also from the tongue and cheeks. This will protect your mouth even better. And yet, oral hygiene begins with brushing your teeth.

It is very important not only what we brush our teeth with, but also how. How well we remove plaque from our teeth depends on the movements we make with a toothbrush.

Movements with a toothbrush should be vertical, as if sweeping bacteria from the gums to the cutting edge of the tooth (dentists call it “sweeping” movements). Why not horizontal or circular? Horizontal and circular movements contribute to the fact that plaque accumulates even more in the interdental recesses. In addition, as a result of horizontal movements, we can get a so-called wedge-shaped defect.

It not only makes the smile less attractive, but also greatly increases the sensitivity of the teeth, and in later stages leads to periodontal disease and tooth loss.

So, let's start brushing our teeth.

1. Taking the brush in your hands and rinsing it well with water, apply pea-sized paste. You can apply more paste, but then it will create a lot of foam, which will interfere with cleaning.

2. Upper teeth: bring the brush to the upper edge at an angle of 45 degrees.

3. We begin to produce vertical movements (in this case from top to bottom). There are 3-4 movements around each tooth. We start with the back teeth and move to the front.

4. We do the same with inside upper teeth: brush at an angle of 45 degrees, sweeping movements. As soon as we reach the front teeth, starting with the fangs, we change the position of the brush and make the same movements, only in the position of the brush, as shown in the figure:

5. We clean the chewing surfaces of the teeth with horizontal movements, back and forth movements are allowed, but it is better to “sweep out” the plaque again from the back teeth to the front.

7. When cleaning the inside of the teeth, starting with the fangs, we again change the position of the brush.

8. At the end we clean the tongue, because a lot of microorganisms accumulate on it. Movements from the root of the tongue to the tip.

10. We tear off the dental floss and clean the interdental spaces, starting from the back teeth to the front. You cannot clean different interdental spaces with the same piece of floss, because... in this way we will transfer bacteria from the previous area to the next one. It is convenient to tear off about 30 cm of thread and place it between 2 index fingers, leaving a few centimeters for cleaning. As you clean, wrap the used thread around one of your fingers. Be careful not to injure your gums.

11. Rinse your mouth with mouthwash for 30 seconds.

After brushing your teeth, make sure that the toothbrush does not “pick up” excess germs before the next use. To do this, it is recommended to soap it and leave it in this state until next time. Be sure to rinse it well before use. Brush your teeth only with your own toothbrush, and do not forget to change it for a new one at least once every 2-3 months.

Many people are looking for an answer to the question of how to properly brush their teeth, but not with a classic manual toothbrush, but with an electric toothbrush. And this is not surprising, because today this unique device is gaining popularity due to its positive properties. The editors of the UltraSmile.ru portal offer material, after reading which you will easily master the art of proper and safe hygienic oral care using a modern gadget.

Before you start brushing your teeth with an electric toothbrush, it is important to learn how to use it.

Charge the toothbrush

Electric brushes, depending on the power source, belong to one of two types:

battery-powered (or battery-powered brush);
rechargeable (rechargeable brush).

In any case, to be used for its intended purpose, the brush must have enough charge.

With a battery-type gadget, the situation is simple: it is enough to periodically, as the battery “runs out,” replace it.

This can be done in a matter of seconds if you have a spare AA battery at home.

The cordless brush must be charged in advance; how to do this is detailed in the instructions. Exact time charging depends on the manufacturer and (or) specific model; on average it takes 12 hours. You can control the completeness of the charge by the status of the indicator on the brush.

Devices produced well-known manufacturers(Braun, Oral-B, and many others) are fine to keep on the charging station when not in use, but it's generally not very convenient to keep the brush plugged in at all times in the bathroom. The best option is to fully charge the device once a week.

Wetting and applying paste

Immediately before use, the bristles of the brush are moistened with water and the required amount of toothpaste is applied, and the paste can be any kind, but it is important not to overdo it with the amount.

A pea-sized ball (that is, approximately 5 mm in diameter) is enough to clean the entire oral cavity.

If you take more paste, the electric brush can create excessive foam, which interferes with normal cleaning.

Dentists advise people who use the device daily to use toothpastes with an abrasiveness index (RDA) of 40-50, no more.

Unconventional methods of disinfection

Can be processed toothbrush hydrogen peroxide

Today, there are various tools at hand in the house that can perfectly cope with the function of cleaning toothbrushes, which will allow you to avoid purchasing additional devices.

Here are some examples:

use ethyl alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, in the first case you need to hold the brush for 10 minutes, and in the second for 20 minutes (but you can store it for a whole day, but you should change the H202 peroxide solution daily);
place the item in the microwave for one minute, high-frequency radiation is harmful to many bacteria, but this method cannot guarantee disinfection;
9% – vinegar solution – too good way processing, since this concentration of acid will be fatal to pathogenic bacteria, so the hygienic device will be completely disinfected.

Interesting. Some people use toothbrushes dishwasher, but there is no reliable data on the effectiveness of this method of asepsis.

Pressing

The process of brushing your teeth does not require special pressure; on the contrary, constant pressure is harmful to tooth enamel, since even the most low-power models make about 4000 revolutions per minute. Just select the desired mode: maximum or gentle cleaning.

Position of the brush relative to the tooth

Some modern models The brushes are equipped with a sensor that controls the pressure applied and a timer that shows the time required to clean a segment of the dentition. Electronic “smart” brushes are much more convenient to use, although they are quite expensive: their price starts from 7-10 thousand rubles.

In case of pulpitis, the tooth canals are cleaned. This stage is very important, since this part of the tooth is hidden from view, and if not properly cleaned, suppuration may occur.
Why does a tooth react to cold and whether it can be corrected, read on.
You can read about how periodontitis in baby teeth is treated in this article.

Which company should you choose?

Oral-b

Advanced technologies and ergonomic design – distinguishing feature brushes from this company. The operating process is as comfortable as possible thanks to the liquid crystal display showing the charge level and the replacement period for the cleaning head. Thanks to special cleaning heads, it not only cleans teeth from plaque, but also polishes enamel, and a pressure sensor helps to select the optimal pressing force. Removes even stubborn tobacco and coffee stains.

Electric toothbrush Oral-B Professional Care 500

Philips

The brushes of this company are equipped with a sound wave generator and a powerful jet of liquid. This makes it easy to clean even hard to reach places and interdental spaces. Using the built-in sensor, the user is always aware of the charge level. Separately, it is worth noting the strong body - it makes the hygiene procedure even more pleasant.

Hapica

The brushes of this company are made in Japan, which already indicates the high quality of the device. The brush can be used without toothpaste and is battery operated, making it very convenient option for travelers and lovers of outdoor recreation. High quality build and appearance deserves high user ratings.

Panasonic

The battery of brushes from this company is recognized as one of the most durable, which again, a good option for travelers or busy people. The waterproof housing allows you to use the brush in the shower.

The bristles rotate at a frequency of 30 thousand vibration movements per minute, thanks to which the enamel is perfectly cleaned, even if a person is not used to brushing his teeth for a long time.

Panasonic EW 1031 s Electric toothbrush

Cleaning the Exterior

The first stage of brushing your teeth with an electric brush is cleaning from the outside.

You can start with the upper jaw, or you can start with the lower jaw, it doesn’t matter.

In this case, the cleaning head of the brush must be moved slowly (staying on one tooth for literally 1-2 seconds) from one tooth to another.

There is no need to make any movements, since the brush head is already programmed to the right way rotation.

Caring for your electric brush after cleaning

It is worth noting that visually an ultrasonic brush is no different from a regular electric brush. In the first, the bristles on the head do not move, and the ultrasound itself is not perceptible to humans. There is one strong recommendation - the ultrasonic brush should be used once a day (preferably in the morning).
Turn on the brush as soon as the bristles touch your teeth. Don't be alarmed by excessive saliva production during this type of cleaning, as this is quite normal. There is also no need to be afraid of getting the tool wet, since it is designed for this and is completely covered with plastic, preventing water from penetrating inside. Ultrasonic cleaning should not be done for more than 2-3 minutes. Change the attachments every 3 months (this is required for hygiene reasons).

In what cases is brushing your teeth with an electric brush necessary:

Periodontal disease
Periodontitis
Presence of orthodontic appliances in the mouth
Presence of braces in the mouth
Dentures, crowns, inlays and onlays in the mouth

Contraindications for cleaning:

Post-periodontal surgery
Surgery in the dentofacial area
Oncology in the mouth
For tooth mobility
If there is hypertrophic gingivitis
Stomatitis

After brushing your teeth, unplug the electric brush (if it is connected).
Place the brush head under running warm water and rinse off any remaining toothpaste for 10 seconds.
Detach the attachment and run it under water, running your hands over the bristles to thoroughly wash them.
Shake the nozzle to drain any remaining water.
Place the attachment on the brush and place the device to dry vertically.

After each brushing of your teeth, you need to take care of your brush and brush head. Rinse the head under running water with the handle turned on for several seconds, and also rinse the nozzle separately, removing it from the body. All parts must be dried and wiped dry before assembly.

To successfully complete the cleaning procedure, it is necessary to carefully prepare for it, and the preparation operation itself has the following nuances:

Rinse the brush under running water before using it;
Apply toothpaste to the surface of the bristles;
Turn on your device.

It is important to emphasize that the quality of the teeth cleaning procedure does not increase depending on the amount of toothpaste used. Of course, you shouldn’t brush without toothpaste at all, but using it excessively is not rational. It is recommended to apply the paste to approximately half of the bristles present on the brush.

After applying the paste to the device and turning it on, you can proceed to the next step - the cleaning procedure itself.

Let's move directly to the question of how to brush your teeth with an electric toothbrush. To understand all the intricacies of this procedure, we suggest that you read the instructions below:

Take your toothbrush and point the bristles at a 45-degree angle to your teeth.
Conventionally divide the entire oral cavity into four parts: two upper and two lower. This will allow you to carry out the cleaning procedure most efficiently and effectively.
Start cleaning in one of the upper quarters of the mouth. Turn on the brush and slowly brush each tooth. It is necessary to linger on each tooth for a few seconds so that the effect of the cleaning procedure is as noticeable as possible.
After treating all the teeth in one of the conditional quarters, move to the second quarter, also located in the upper jaw. In the same way, brush your teeth in the second quarter, carefully treating each tooth, paying attention to all its parts.
When the cleaning of the upper teeth is completed, it is necessary to move to the lower jaw, similarly brushing the two lower quarters in turn, treating each individual tooth.
After brushing your teeth, you should also brush your tongue. This is done in order to eliminate the causes of bad breath, since most of the bacteria that affect it are located directly on the tongue. Cleaning is performed with the electric brush turned on without pressing hard on the tongue, as excessive force can lead to tissue damage.
Next, you need to rinse your mouth thoroughly to get rid of any remaining food that may be in the mouth. In addition, rinsing will help get rid of toothpaste and foam remaining after brushing.
You can complete brushing your teeth with an electric brush by using special mouth rinses, the widest range of which is available in stores today. The liquid is taken into the mouth and, after a 30-40 second rinsing procedure, spit out. Using such products will further protect tooth enamel and the oral cavity from germs, as well as give freshness to your breath and a feeling of absolute cleanliness in your mouth.
At this point, the procedure for brushing your teeth with an electric brush can be considered complete.

More detailed information on how to properly brush your teeth with an electric toothbrush can be found on thematic videos on the Internet.

It is important to note some other nuances that should be kept in mind when brushing your teeth:

The procedure for brushing your teeth should take from 2 to 3 minutes; this is the time that experts recommend as optimal for more effective and high-quality oral care. This means that, on average, cleaning one conventional quarter of the jaw should take up to 30-45 seconds, that is, several seconds for each tooth;
During the brushing process, the tooth must be treated from all sides: from the outside, the inside, the dental plate itself, as well as the space between the teeth, using a slight force on the brush.

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The procedure for brushing your teeth is over, but in order for the brush to continue to serve you faithfully, you need to proper care. Therefore, immediately after finishing cleaning, you must perform the following procedures:

Turn off the brush and rinse it thoroughly under high water pressure.
Place the brush in a vertical position to allow the device to dry.
After the gadget has completely dried, check its charge level. If the charge is insufficient, install the brush on a special station so that the device is fully ready for use before the next teeth cleaning procedure.
If you have a special sterilizer that comes with your brushes, use it to treat the bristles and remove possible germs from their surface.
Place the brush in the glass until next use.

You should also remember the importance of timely replacement of brush heads, since the bristles gradually wear out, which leads to a decrease in the efficiency of using the device. We recommend replacing the heads on your electric toothbrush at least once every 2-3 months.

To ensure effective teeth cleaning, follow this sequence of actions:

Wet the bristles with water.
Squeeze out some toothpaste. Too much of this product will lead to excessive foaming. This way you will finish brushing your teeth ahead of time.
Conventionally divide your mouth into 4 quarters: upper, lower, left and right.
Place the brush on the top part at gum level at an angle of 45 degrees.
Make circular movements with the brush, trying to grab several teeth at a time. The cleaning work itself will be done by a hygienic device.
Spend 30 seconds on each quarter. You need to clean not only the outside, but also the inside, between the teeth, and chewing surfaces.
Do not press too hard on the brush: this can damage your gums and enamel.
Gently brush your tongue. This will relieve you of the unpleasant odor.
Rinse your mouth with water.
Rinse your toothbrush under water and charge it with the bristles facing up to dry.

At the end of the hygiene procedure, it is worth rinsing your mouth with fluoride-containing liquid. But you should be careful: you should not swallow it.

In order for the brush to last as long as possible, it must be stored properly. You can extend the life of the device by following the following recommendations:

Always unplug the brush after use if it is plugged in.
Rinse the head thoroughly to remove any toothpaste residue by running your fingers through the bristles under running water.
Shake the brush off any remaining moisture.
Always place the device head up to dry completely.

Chewing teeth

Maximum attention should be paid to cleaning chewing teeth, since they are the ones most at risk of developing caries and pulpitis.

The surface of your chewing teeth should be cleaned thoroughly, from all sides.

When cleaning the chewing surface, you can lightly (slightly!) press on the brush, which helps clean the interdental space.

Brush position

horizontal – during cleaning of the outer, inner and chewing surfaces;
vertical – during cleaning of the central teeth.

In the simplest and, accordingly, inexpensive models Electric brushes provide for rotation of the cleaning head in only one direction.

More modern and more expensive brushes are used modern technologies 2D (cleaning with reciprocating movements) or 3D (simultaneous pulsation is added to the movements).

The last two types of brushes do the best job of cleaning your teeth both outside and inside, and even remove plaque that no toothpastes can remove.

Contraindications for use

weak gums, presence inflammatory diseases(periodontitis, gingivitis, etc.);
any acute inflammatory processes in the oral cavity;
low density, increased abrasion of tooth enamel;
the presence of wedge-shaped defects or white spots on the enamel;
the presence of dentures, crowns, implants (the use of an electric brush - especially cheap models from untested “Chinese” manufacturers - can significantly reduce the service life of any orthopedic structures);
This device should be used with caution during pregnancy and people with heart disease.

In any case, before using an electric brush, it is advisable to consult a dentist, and it is better if this is a doctor who constantly monitors you.

When we chew food, we do not think that the first stage of digestion is performed by the salivary glands, secreting saliva. If you are interested in the anatomy of the salivary gland, read the article.
You can read about the types of pathologies of the sublingual salivary gland and the choice of treatment method in this topic.

It is advisable for any person who uses an electric brush to periodically (at least 1-2 times a week) alternate it with a regular brush. This is recommended by dentists primarily to reduce stress on the enamel.

So, electric toothbrushes greatly facilitate the process of brushing your teeth, save time on this daily routine process, and their proper use significantly improves the appearance of teeth and extends their natural lifespan.

Types of brushes

Mechanical– a regular toothbrush that does not have a rotating mechanism. There are the most different forms, and sizes. Designed for routine oral hygiene and for cleaning teeth with braces (brushes).
Classic electric– has a small, round cleaning head that rotates around its axis and pulsates slightly. The advantage of the classic is that the head can always be changed to a more suitable one - pulsating, massage or cleansing.
Sound. The device has a built-in high-frequency sound generator that produces oscillating waves with a frequency of up to 17,000 movements per minute. The sound kills harmful bacteria, and the brush removes plaque.
Ultrasonic. Equipped with an electricity-to-ultrasound converter, thanks to which it effectively destroys microorganisms on enamel. It works as quietly as possible.

Variety of electric toothbrushes

Researchers from England and the USA have confirmed that the toothbrush is home to a number of microbes. The latter include not the most pleasant individuals, such as coli and staphylococcus. But there is one important nuance: most of these bacteria transfer to the toothbrush directly from us during its use.

How does pollution happen?

oral cavity;
Toothbrush storage places.

The oral cavity is home to thousands of bacteria and microorganisms. Natural germs and bacteria in the mouth are one of the main reasons why everyone needs to brush their teeth. Some of them cause dental caries unless they are removed during brushing. The second place where a toothbrush gets dirty is where it is stored. Most people leave their toothbrushes in the bathroom. It is there that microorganisms simply teem. Flushing the toilet pushes bacteria into the air, and bathing also contributes to its spread. Eventually, germs will end up on your toothbrush.

On a note! Hundreds of millions of microorganisms can become trapped on brush bristles, including those that cause colds, viruses and infections.

Table. List of bacteria that can be found on a toothbrush.

Name, photo	Short description
	Bacteria that causes erosion of tooth enamel, tooth decay and caries
	Causes diarrhea
	Causes strep throat
	Bacteria found in aquatic environments, soil, vegetation and feces
	Causes skin infections
	Bacteria that causes gum disease
	Fungus that causes thrush in babies
	Herpes virus
	The viruses of these diseases are found on toothbrushes, and the causative agent of hepatitis B can survive for several months

Can a toothbrush cause illness?

Everyone knows that germs live on your toothbrush. Some of them can harm us. True, no one has yet proven that a toothbrush full of bacilli will make someone sick. When a person's immune system is healthy, it is good at fighting off common germs that typically live in the mouth. The body's defenses are activated and stop germs before they lead to illness. More often they get onto the toothbrush from the oral cavity, which means they are the same microbes that the body fights every day.

For certain diseases, there is a risk of re-infection from a toothbrush. For example, if you are diagnosed with strep throat, your doctor will advise you to throw away your old toothbrush after the antibiotics begin to work. If your immune system is not functioning properly due to any disease/disorder, it increases the chances of getting an infection or re-infection after using a toothbrush.

Important! For most people, hygiene and storage conditions are all that is needed to ensure good condition brushes and the safe process of using them.

Ways to Keep Your Toothbrush Clean

The methods are quite simple and many of us probably already do most of the following on a daily basis. Here are care guidelines from the Dental Association.

Never share your toothbrush with anyone else. The microbes that another person’s body is used to fighting probably won’t be able to overcome yours.
Rinse your toothbrush with water after brushing your mouth, then let it air dry. Most people use a vertical holder for this purpose (be sure to clean it regularly).
Do not store the brush in an airtight container where it cannot dry out, as this allows microorganisms to grow more quickly.
Change the brush at least 3-4 times a year. This recommendation is more about the effectiveness of the brush in terms of cleaning your teeth, but it will also help reduce the number of germs living on it.

Professional dentists will probably advise you to follow a few additional recommendations.

Wash your hands before and after brushing your teeth to prevent the spread of germs.
Buy a new toothbrush after a cold or other illness.
Use two toothbrushes alternately. This should be done to ensure that each bristle has a chance to dry completely before being used again.
Do not share toothpaste with a sick person.

Also, under no circumstances should you put your toothbrush in a microwave oven or put it in boiling water for disinfection. Using these methods, most bacteria can be destroyed, but the toothbrush will suffer.

Disinfecting a toothbrush

Some additional measures will help reduce the number of microorganisms living on your toothbrush.

Change your toothbrush more often.
Rinse it with an antibacterial mouthwash before and/or after brushing your teeth. However, experts warn that the same product used by multiple people can actually lead to cross-contamination and cause more harm to health than good.
Use toothbrush sanitizer. It can kill a large number of microorganisms, but it is not a fact that it completely destroys them.

Important! Ultraviolet (UV) light is one of the most common ways to disinfect a toothbrush. Typically, bristles are stored in a small plastic container, where it is targeted with UV light for 6-8 minutes before and after brushing.

Effervescent disinfectant tablets can also be used to disinfect toothbrushes. Water interacts with the tablet. Bubbles soon appear, disinfecting the toothbrush as it absorbs the solution (about 10 minutes).

There is no strong evidence to support the fact that bacteria in the mouth have any adverse effects on human health, but it is best to clean your toothbrush to prevent their proliferation.

Step 1: Rinse the bristles in hot water after use to remove any toothpaste, food, or anything else left on them.

Step 2: Fill a clean glass with undiluted white vinegar. Place the toothbrush there, head down.

Glass filled with white vinegar

Step 3. Let it soak for a couple of hours. Vinegar kills most bacteria and germs.

Step 4: Remove the toothbrush from the vinegar, rinse it under running water and hang it upright to dry.

There are many various methods toothbrush disinfection, ranging from special ultraviolet lamps to the use of bleach, dishwashing detergent and dishwasher. Fortunately, cleaning your mouth with a toothbrush and avoiding infection is quite achievable. In fact, you most likely have all the ingredients you need in your refrigerator.

Place your toothbrush in the dishwasher. You wash dishes in it, so the device will not be damaged. However, if you are concerned about the bristles softening, be sure to wash them at a lower temperature. This is enough unusual way and it may seem strange to many, but the bacteria actually become much smaller.

A dishwasher is another possible option.

Soak the head of your toothbrush in rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol kills all germs. If you let the bristles air dry or rinse them with water, you can immediately begin brushing your teeth. Alcohol does the job pretty quickly, but for good disinfection, you need to leave the toothbrush in a glass or bowl for at least a minute.

You can also prepare a special antimicrobial agent. Here are the three ingredients you will need:

water;
vinegar.
baking soda.

Pour 1/2 cup or 120 ml of water into a container. Then add 2 tbsp. l. or 30 ml white vinegar and 2 tsp. or 10 mg baking soda. Mix well. Place the toothbrush in the glass and leave for 30 minutes. Then rinse.

On a note! Vinegar and baking soda are effective antimicrobial ingredients and, in addition to disinfecting toothbrushes, can be used anywhere as an alternative to toxic cleaners.

You should also stop using your toothbrush every few months or when you notice wear and tear. It becomes less effective at cleaning teeth and should be thrown away.

Storage

Proper storage of your toothbrush is an important part of disinfecting it. Here are some guidelines to follow.

Install a flush guard: You may have heard that flushing a toilet releases particles into the air. They settle on all surfaces in the bathroom, including your toothbrush. Keeping the latter out of reach or in a special container will prevent the penetration of potentially harmful microorganisms from the toilet.
Don't forget about ventilation. Store your toothbrush in a ventilated area to allow it to dry completely between brushings.
Place vertically: Keep your toothbrush upright to avoid cross-contamination from other surfaces.
Take care of proper lighting, low humidity, comfortable temperature- microorganisms prefer dark, damp and cool places.

Where should you not store your toothbrush?

Never store toothbrushes near the toilet. Remember the vintage ceramic mounts that were popular in homes built in the 1950s and 1960s? They matched the appearance of the tiles and were almost always placed on the wall to the left or right of the toilet. It doesn't look terrible so much as it is unhygienic. After some time, people realized that all germs from the toilet move into the oral cavity at least twice a day.

Also, don't put your toothbrush in your medicine cabinet. If you're so used to keeping it there that you can't wean yourself off, place a toothbrush holder inside. This is the most safe way block the way for germs from the toilet.

How often to disinfect

Do you need to clean your toothbrushes often? No. If you wash them in hot water after each use and store them properly (away from the toilet), you can clean them about once every month or so. Hot water really helps remove potentially dangerous germs from the sink.

Sanitation vs. Sterilization

When shopping for toothbrush sanitizing products, it is important to understand the current lingo. The concept of "disinfect" means to remove disease or infection, but the rate of this process in each individual case can vary greatly. “Sanitation” means reducing bacteria by 99.9 percent. “Sterilization” is the process of destroying all living organisms. It is important to know that there are currently no commercially available toothbrush cleaners that can sterilize or sanitize them. Don't believe promises of complete destruction of all bacteria, because this is just a marketing ploy.

You can buy toothbrush cleaner, but no evidence suggests that these products clean them any better than plain water and drying. If you decide to purchase a disinfectant, look for a product that has been approved by the FDA food products and medicines.

The bad news is that germs are everywhere and there is no escape from them. The good news is that most of them are actually incapable of harming us. So, don't try too hard to change your toothbrush routine, if at all. Most people have very little chance of ever getting sick from their own toothbrush. read on our website.