Rinse the toothbrush after use and allow it to dry. There may be room to debate wetting a toothbrush before use, but not after! A clean, dry toothbrush and proper storage conditions help prevent bacteria growth.
Wetting before softens toothbrush bristles and rinses off debris. Wetting after ensures the toothpaste melts into your toothbrush so it doesn't roll off. Not wetting your toothbrush means there aren't extra steps between applying toothpaste and brushing.
Many dentists also note that if you must wet the toothbrush before or after applying toothpaste, it's better to keep the amount of water you use to a minimum. This is because they claim a sodden toothbrush and diluted toothpaste will mean that the efficiency of your brushing is reduced.
Brushing too often or too hard.
Brushing more than three times a day is not ideal; it is hurting you more than helping you. 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.
These devices may be impervious to water to some extent, but eventually, water can seep through your device and potentially cause problems. This is why manufacturers do not recommend submerging powered toothbrushes in water for prolonged periods.
One expert, professor Damien Walmsley of the British Dental Association, said, “A dry brush will increase friction with the bristles while a wet toothbrush adds moisture and for most people, makes the experience more pleasant.
To use a rechargeable electric toothbrush, just place toothpaste on the brush head and hold the brush at a 45-degree angle, just as you would a manual toothbrush. Then turn on the rechargeable electric and move the brush from tooth to tooth.
Although boiling water can be a bit harsh on the plastic of your brush, it does a great job killing the bacteria that builds up over time. Boil a small pot of water on the stove and dip the head of your toothbrush in the rolling boil for at least three minutes to kill most germs.
Yes, all Oral-B electric toothbrushes are waterproof, so it is fine to use them in the shower. However, we don't recommend immersing your brush in water. We know using your toothbrush in the shower saves a vital few minutes on hectic mornings.
One common way to disinfect your toothbrush is through the use of mouthwash, like Listerine. You'll want to soak your toothbrush in the solution for at least 3 to 5 minutes at a time. After the specified amount of time, make sure you rinse your toothbrush thoroughly before use.
Unfortunately, when you rinse immediately after brushing, you're washing away a lot of the fluoride in toothpaste before it can strengthen your tooth enamel. To maximize the beneficial cavity-fighting effect of fluoride, spit out excess toothpaste but do not rinse your mouth.
Trapped moisture can lead to mold and mildew, so it's important to dry your toothbrush handle off every time you get it wet. You should never submerge your toothbrush body in water, since that can lead to an electric shock.
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. Some brands may even buzz at you if you're applying too much pressure.
The added advantage of an electric toothbrush is you don't have to move your hand in a circular motion. While you can if you want, it's easier to simply move the toothbrush from one surface to the next. Let your toothbrush do the rest. Many electric toothbrushes also have a built-in timer.
No matter which brand you choose, you can count on improved oral health if you learn how to use an electric toothbrush properly! Now that you've chosen an electric brush over a manual one, make sure you use it two times every day.
It also allows the toothpaste to stick to your toothbrush more effectively and rinses off any debris that came into contact with your toothbrush since the last time you brushed. While these benefits might matter to some, it's much more important to practice proper brushing habits.
While you should leave your toothbrush on your bathroom counter, keep it away from your toilet's vicinity. Your toothbrush is more likely to be exposed to fecal bacteria that's splashed into the air when you flush your toilet.
Your hot, humid shower is the kind of environment that bacteria loves. So storing your toothbrush in there around the clock is a bad idea according to Craig, “Because it gives bacteria plenty of time to accumulate and grow while it's being stored in there.”
The most important one is this: do not press hard or scrub. This is the most common misconception when switching from manual toothbrushes to electric ones. Instead, simply guide the brush around your mouth gently while it's turned on.
Brush each tooth on the outside for a few seconds at a time. There's no need to scrub or press hard; the electric toothbrush will do all the work for you. Some brands may even buzz at you if you apply too much pressure.
However, if you are considering having your child use an electric toothbrush, it is best to wait until your child turns three years old. While an electric toothbrush is safe for both children and adults, at least by the age of three, your child will be able to hold the brush properly.
The accumulated water and protein-laden water drips down and there are enough nutrients in that water to allow bacteria and mold to grow [sic]. Which all sounds about right: Gunk and mold thrive wherever water sits stagnant—say, the base of the toothbrush, or where the head is attached.
While it may be surprising, a study has found that flossing first followed by brushing with a fluoride toothpaste is more effective in removing interdental plaque than brushing first, flossing second. In addition, flossing before brushing results in greater fluoride retention between teeth.