Not too long ago, dental health used to be an afterthought, but these days, keeping your teeth and gums in mint condition is a routine part of everyday life. And electric toothbrushes have played a key role in defeating tooth decay, preventing fillings, and whitening our smiles. These bathroom essentials debuted in 1927 in the USA, although the Broxodent brush produced in Switzerland in 1954 is generally seen as the first mass-market device. Since then, cordless models and ultrasonic versions have entered the picture.
And now, if you want to brush up on your oral health without extra effort, it's not hard to find high-tech electric brushes to get the job done. So let's dive in and find out more about electric toothbrushes as well as where to find cheap electric toothbrush deals.
Oral-B toothbrushes and Philips toothbrushes are pretty much the best electric toothbrush brands out there. Here's a quick comparison of some of their models:
Here's the best way to properly use an electric toothbrush:
Although electric toothbrushes vary between models, there are some basic rules to follow no matter which make you choose. Firstly, choose a brush which suits your aims and your mouth. If you have sensitive gums or teeth, spending a bit extra for a specialist device will pay off.
Now, let's talk about actually using your electric toothbrush. Charge your device and fit the desired head. Turn it on and try to hold it at a 45 degree angle to your teeth and gum line. If you hold it horizontally, you won't enjoy the full benefits.
When you've done that, you can start applying the brush to your teeth and gums (after adding the toothpaste, that is). Be gentle when using the brush, as excessive pressure could damage teeth and won't produce better results. Use a steady rotating motion over the surfaces of your teeth.
When you brush your gums (and you do need to brush your gums, something that many people forget), be extra careful. Gums can be eroded by excess pressure, so just relax a little and let the brush glide over the surface.
Don't just focus on the front surfaces of your teeth. It's also important to go behind your incisors and molars, where plaque can build up causing tooth decay. If you have any problems reaching these locations, look for electric toothbrush heads which have extended necks and hooked over designs.
Also, don't forget to brush your tongue. The tongue can be both a source of infection and bad breath – and many people neglect to wash it as often as they should. Just give it a quick clean with a normal brush head for 20-30 seconds every day.
When you're done, give your electric toothbrush heads a quick rinse under the cold tap to remove any excess toothpaste and dirt. Replace your brush carefully in its cradle.
Finally, it's a very good idea to couple electric toothbrushes with dental floss, so place a pack alongside your charging cradle to prompt you to use it. Floss between as many teeth as you can reach, and make sure you get every last bit of food in the process.
