Last Updated On June 10th, 2020
Electronic toothbrushes come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors. Some of them spin, while others pulsate… but what electronic toothbrushes work for people with braces? We’ve got the scoop below!
Introduction to Electronic Toothbrushes
These technological gems are the lazy man’s toothbrushes. They do everything, so you don’t have to. Brush heads either spin (rotating fast in one direction, then the other direction) or vibrate from side to side(sonic).
Pros
An electric toothbrush can clean a larger area faster than a manual toothbrush. When you brush manually, you are making approximately 300 strokes per minute, compared to up to tens of thousands when you use a power toothbrush.
Some studies show that people who use electronic toothbrushes had less plaque and gum disease when compared to those who used manual ones while being gentle on teeth and gums.
Cons
The main drawback to electronic toothbrushes is the cost. The other drawback is that it’s bigger and bulkier, taking up more space in a purse or suitcase.
Electronic Toothbrushes for People with Braces
For those with braces, the thought of using power toothbrushes might be scary. Fear not, you shouldn’t run into any problems by brushing with an electronic toothbrush. With braces, food often gets caught in the band, wires, or brackets, making it difficult to keep braces clean. Not only does food tend to get trapped, but plaque does too. A power toothbrush helps to deeply clean in hard to reach areas, and prevents white spots in the enamel, sore gum lines, and early signs of decay. That being said, it is important that you choose the correct brush, otherwise you might damage your braces.
Brush Heads
Electronic toothbrushes have removable heads which are designed to be replaced every so often when the bristles become worn down. Not only does brushing with worn bristles ineffective, but the worn bristles also can get stuck in braces. If you have braces and are using a power toothbrush, make sure to replace the brush head every three months or sooner, especially if the brush head has dislodged bristles or show signs of wear.
Because brush heads can be pricey, you should look into buying the brush heads in bulk.
Bristle Hardness
Like manual toothbrushes, electronic ones also have bristle hardness ranging from very soft to extremely hard. If you wear braces, you should opt for an power toothbrush head with very soft to soft bristles.
Tips for Cleaner Teeth
No matter what toothbrush, toothpaste, or floss you choose to buy, follow these tips for cleaner teeth, removing more plaque and reducing cavities and gum disease.
- Choose soft to medium bristles. Not only are they more gentle on your gums, but they are more flexible than hard bristles, which cleans your teeth better.
- You should be brushing at least twice a day, for two minutes each session. Bonus points if you rinse our mouth after eating anything sugary or starchy.
- Hold your toothbrush with the bristles angled at 45 degrees towards your gum line. There should be one row of bristle tips that can reach slightly under the gums. Wiggle your brush head with a vibrating motion for a little bit before moving to the next area. Give a final scrub on the teeth surfaces you use for chewing.
- Make sure to brush gently so you don’t damage your fragile gums. It doesn’t require much pressure to remove plaque.
- Make sure to reach all areas of your teeth including outer and inner surfaces as well as the tops of your molars. Don’t forget about your tongue, which will remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
- For the ultimate clean teeth, floss before brushing.
Electronic toothbrushes are superior to manual ones because they can clean your teeth effectively and more efficiently, although they cost a ton more. If you’re wearing braces, you can choose to use a power toothbrush, but make sure to choose very soft to soft bristles, replace brush heads at the proper time, and buy your brush heads in bulk to save money!