For teeth with braces, an electric toothbrush may be an excellent investment!
Having braces is a challenge. With all the wires and metal brackets in your mouth, it’s difficult to tell if you’re cleaning your teeth effectively. While manual toothbrushes remove plaque and bacteria from teeth, they can be challenging to maneuver around braces. But with the electric toothbrush, you can now remove plaque and bacteria more effectively, and with less hassle!
Additionally, they can help polish your teeth and keep them clean between visits to the dental professional. If you are thinking of purchasing an electric toothbrush, here is everything you need to know about electric toothbrushes for braces.
Why is it difficult to keep teeth clean with braces?
There are a few reasons why it can be difficult to keep teeth clean with braces.
The brackets and wires on your teeth can make it difficult to reach all of the surfaces of your teeth. The orthodontic appliances also trap plaque and bacteria between them and your teeth, leading to cavities and gum disease.
That is why it is so important to use an electric toothbrush for braces! An electric toothbrush can help remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth more effectively than a manual toothbrush. It can also help clean the areas around your braces, which can be challenging to reach with a regular toothbrush.
How do you choose the right electric toothbrush for braces?
Here are a few essential features you must analyse when buying an electric toothbrush for braces.
Variety of Cleaning Modes
Most electric toothbrushes come with a variety of cleaning modes. This allows you to personalize your brushing experience and target specific areas or concerns. For example, if you are prone to plaque build-up on your gum line, you can use the 'gum care' mode on your electric toothbrush.
Type of electric toothbrush
There are two main types of electric toothbrushes- oscillating and sonic. The oscillating-rotating kind of brush head moves back and forth or rotates in a circular motion, which helps remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth.
Another type of electric toothbrush for braces is the sonic brush head. This type of brush head creates ultrasonic waves that dislodge plaque and bacteria from your teeth.
Brush head
In both oscillating-rotary and sonic toothbrushes, the size and style of brush heads may vary. So have a good look at it, and choose the one that would easily fit in your mouth for brushing. Also, be sure to choose a soft bristle electric toothbrush with a replaceable head that will be gentle on the braces.
Type of power (rechargeable / disposable battery)
Some electric toothbrushes come with a rechargeable battery, while others come with disposable batteries. If you choose an electric toothbrush with a rechargeable battery, be sure to keep the charger handy, so you can always recharge the battery when it runs low. Rechargeable toothbrushes are generally more eco friendly and convenient.
If you choose an electric toothbrush with disposable batteries, be sure to replace the batteries often, so you do not run out of power in the middle of a brushing session.
Ease of charging
Some electric toothbrushes come with an accessible charging dock. This is a convenient feature as it makes it easy to charge the electric toothbrush without searching for a charger cable.
Timer
Many electric toothbrushes come with a built-in timer that will stop the brush after two minutes. This is an excellent feature to look for because it helps you brush your teeth for the recommended amount of time (generally two minutes per section).
Pressure sensors
It is important to not apply too much pressure on the braces. Therefore, electric toothbrushes with pressure sensors are a good choice because these sensors will stop the electric toothbrush from rotating or vibrating if too much pressure is applied to the teeth. This can help protect your braces and your teeth from being damaged.
Ergonomic handle
Choose an electric toothbrush with an ergonomic handle, which means it is easy to grip and does not feel heavy. This will make it easier for you to hold the electric toothbrush in your hand and brush your teeth.
Which electric toothbrush should you choose for braces?
A few electric toothbrushes stand out above the rest when it comes to brushing teeth with braces. As per a scientific journal, sonic toothbrushes perform better than manual and powered toothbrushes in reducing gingivitis, plaque and interdental bleeding in fixed orthodontic patients.
Therefore, the Colgate Electric Toothbrush might be an excellent option for people who have braces. It comes with a sonic brush head that creates ultrasonic waves to dislodge plaque and bacteria from your teeth. With 33 custom combinations of its four modes and 10 vibration intensities, you can easily tailor your brushing to your convenience.
It is also a rechargeable toothbrush with a battery life of 15 days with a four hour charge. With an easy charging dock, and a built-in timer. Its real-time smart coaching feature ensures that you brush more completely. Colgate electric toothbrush is compatible with Gum Care brush heads which have soft bristles.
As a result, you will have cleaner teeth while you still have your braces on. So give your teeth with braces a subtle brushing experience with this soon to be launched product from Colgate.
Tips for using an electric toothbrush with braces:
Apart from using fluoride toothpaste, mouthwash, or flossing with braces, here are some additional tips to follow when brushing teeth with braces.
Brush your teeth with an electric toothbrush at least two times a day.
Hold the electric toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line for the best removal of plaque.
Gently move the toothbrush back and forth or rotate it in a circular motion, with very gentle pressure.
Be sure to brush all of your teeth, not just the visible ones. An electric toothbrush with a quad pacer will pulse when it is time to move to the next section.
If you have an electric toothbrush with a timer, it will ensure that you spend adequate time in cleaning each section of your teeth.
Try different cleaning modes, and tilt and move the toothbrush as needed to reach all areas of your mouth.
Be sure to replace the brush head on your electric toothbrush every three months, and to charge or replace the battery on time.
After brushing, rinse your mouth well and examine your teeth in a mirror.
See your dental professional regularly for checkups and cleanings.
Are there any disadvantages to using an electric toothbrush with braces?
No, using an electric toothbrush for braces has no disadvantages. They are in fact a little faster in cleaning your teeth and covering all areas of the mouth vs a manual brush.
A recent study reported 21% reduction in plaque and 11% reduction in gingivitis, after three months of using an electric toothbrush, compared to manual toothbrush.
Electric toothbrushes for braces also cause less waste as instead of discarding the entire body, you will only have to replace the brush heads every two to three months.
How do you clean an electric toothbrush?
Cleaning your electric toothbrush is easy! All you need to do is rinse the brush head underwater and then let it air dry. You can also clean the handle of the electric toothbrush by wiping it down with a damp cloth. Be sure not to submerge the electric toothbrush in water, which could damage the electrical components.
Key takeaways
Electric toothbrushes are a wonderful way to keep your teeth clean when you have braces.
Be sure to choose a soft bristle electric toothbrush with an ergonomic handle.
Brush your teeth for two minutes, using gentle circular or back-and-forth motions.
Clean the electric toothbrush by rinsing the brush head underwater and letting it air dry.
Replace the brush head every two to three months.
Do not follow other dental essentials like using a mouthwash or flossing with braces.
Have your teeth braces checked regularly by a dental professional.
