Countless electric toothbrushes offer a pressure sensor or similar feature that notifies you (through a beep, a change in vibration, or even a flash of light) if you're brushing your teeth too hard. Our guide to electric toothbrushes calls a pressure sensor “nice to have,” but for me, it's essential.
Oral-B Smart 3000 Visible Pressure Sensor The Visible Pressure Sensor on the Smart 3000 lights up to alert you when you are brushing too hard. Applying too much pressure can lead to harmful over-brushing, making the Visible Pressure Sensor an ideal feature for better brushing.
Brushing with an Oral-B iO electric toothbrush can help prevent overbrushing with the Smart Pressure Sensor. It turns red to signal when you're brushing too hard and green when brushing is just right—directly on the handle.
Signs You're Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard
It's possible that you may have even noticed a change in your gum line. Receding gums is a telltale sign that you're brushing your teeth too hard. Your teeth feel more sensitive. You may notice that certain parts of your teeth feel colder or more sensitive than other parts.
The American Dental Association (ADA) has stated that both electric and manual toothbrushes remove plaque and bacteria from teeth, as long as you use a proper brushing technique. In fact, they've said that the technique is more important than the tool.
The pressure sensors on electric toothbrushes work by detecting the amount of contact between the toothbrush's bristles and your teeth. When too much pressure is applied, this causes the bristles to sink into your gum line and irritate it.
You may be surprised to find that you aren't brushing your teeth for long enough. One of the most common reasons why teeth don't feel clean after being brushed is because the process was rushed. You should be brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes every time.
Brushing too often or too hard.
Brushing too much can wear down tooth enamel and hurt your gums. You may also hurt your gums if you use too much pressure or a hard-bristled brush. Guide the brush on its path and let the bristles do the work.
You can use electric tooth brush daily with caution. If misused,it can lead to tooth damage, sensitivity and gum recession. Use correct brushing technique. avoid brushing for overtime.
It is still a possibility for someone to brush too hard with a soft toothbrush and this cando damage to the teeth and gums, However it's much less compared to the damage that can be done using a medium or hard bristled toothbrush.
Even with a rechargeable electric toothbrush, you should spend about two minutes brushing to ensure that you've cleaned each tooth. When you've finished brushing, simply rinse the brush head with water and allow it to dry.
Try to brush with the curvature of the teeth. This is the most effective method for removing plaque and food particles. Place the brush on the outside of each tooth for a few seconds at a time. There's no need to press hard or scrub back and forth—the electric toothbrush will do that for you.
Excess water, spit, and toothpaste can combine together and build up in the excess space between where the replaceable brushing head inserts into the electric toothbrush body. It can also accumulate where the toothbrush sets into the charging base.
The time it takes for sore gums to return to normal varies depending on the cause. For most cases, such as poor brushing technique or simple injury – the gums should take around 10 days to heal. However, your gums can start to feel better within a few days too – but fully healing over a week or so.
Gentle on gums
Used properly, an electric toothbrush should not hurt your gums or enamel. It should instead promote overall oral health. Many people are guilty of brushing too hard, which can, over time, cause irreversible damage to tooth enamel and gums.
Do you have to floss if you use an electric toothbrush? Regardless of what kind of toothbrush you use — and how good your brushing technique is — it can't replace flossing.
Aside from these groups, anyone who finds professional teeth cleanings painful or very uncomfortable should consider using an electric toothbrush. Because they remove plaque better than a manual toothbrush, they typically lead to reduced tartar (or calculus) buildup.
Toothbrush Indicators
Nowadays, most toothbrushes come with indicators that let you know it is time to change your toothbrush. The indicators usually consist of a few rows of blue bristles, when the blue color fades then it is time to change your brush.
When using a rechargeable electric toothbrush, it isn't necessary to press hard or scrub. Simply guide the brush while it provides the brushing action. In fact, some electric toothbrushes have pressure sensors that alert you when you're brushing too hard. Step 1: Make sure your toothbrush is charged.
How Often Should You Replace an Electric Toothbrush? As stated above, you should replace your electric toothbrush every three to five years, depending on your use. However, the brush comes with removable parts, for instance, the electric toothbrush head. Brushes generally last 3-6 months, but some can go longer.
Dentists agree that overall, electric toothbrushes are superior to manual ones. "Because electric brushes have a rotation, they essentially force the toothpaste in more difficult-to-reach areas, which is where cavities start," says Dr. Creaven.