Keeping your electric toothbrush clean is the best strategy you can use to keep the bristles effective at cleaning for longer. While the general rules for keeping your toothbrush clean are the same as for a manual toothbrush, there are some essential tips you should know to keep your electric toothbrush newer for longer and protect your oral health. Let’s look at the best way to clean electric toothbrush so a better dental hygiene experience.
The Importance Of Regular Brushing For Your Oral Health
Brushing your teeth well, twice a day is an important step in managing your oral health. The first step to good oral health is managing bacteria, so taking measures to manage bacteria levels is integral to caring for electric toothbrushes.
Brushing and flossing should be undertaken twice a day, and more often if you have orthodontic braces. This is the best you can do to maintain a high standard of oral health at home, until you can see your dentist for a professional cleaning. So many dental problems are preventable, with the appropriate level of care being given to dental hygiene.
Even if you practice meticulous dental hygiene twice a day you will need to visit your dentist at least twice a year to assist with plaque control. No matter how careful you may be, you will have some plaque residue on your tooth surfaces and below the gum line that will require professional cleaning to remove.
Plaque that is not removed turns into calculus, which forms acidic pockets where it is in contact with your teeth and gums. It can cause swelling and inflammation of the gums and cavities can develop when it is not removed. Because there are so many small hard to reach spaces in your mouth, your dentist is in the best position to help you manage your oral care because he or she has a better view of those spots.
You use your electric toothbrush to transfer bacteria out of your mouth so it makes sense that the bacteria must be suitably removed from your toothbrush as well, after every use. The bristles of electric toothbrushes rotate and are in contact with your tooth surfaces so they experience wear and tear and need regular replacement.
What’s The Best Way To Clean Electric Toothbrush?
Keeping Your Electric Toothbrush Clean
Every time you use your toothbrush, remove the head from the handle and give it a thorough rinse with water, to remove any visible traces of debris.
Don’t forget to detach electric toothbrushes heads from the base first.
Make sure you remove any residual toothpaste from the electric toothbrush using manual force or warm water if necessary. Don’t allow any dirt to build up, and remove it with a little force if you need to.
Some people like to go one step further and immerse their toothbrush in a hydrogen peroxide solution, which has been proven effective at managing bacteria levels. Make sure you change the solution on a regular basis.
Brush Smart
Heavy use of electric toothbrushes will create more wear and tear on the bristles, which translates into a shorter lifespan for your electric toothbrush. While you definitely should be brushing for two minutes a time, twice a day, brushing too hard or for too long can be counterproductive.
Air Dry Is Best
Remember to store your electric toothbrush in an upright position and allow it to air dry completely between uses.
Store Smart
If there are multiple people in your household, do not store all of the electric toothbrushes too close together in one toothbrush holder. Rather keep them a few inches apart or in their own compartments. Also remember to keep your toothbrush as far away from your toilet as possible. Keep your bathroom clean so that the environment is as free of bacteria as possible.
Consider Using A Toothpaste Dispenser
Your electric toothbrush and toothpaste tube can transfer bacteria between each other. Using a toothpaste dispenser may help to minimise the amount of bacteria that passess between the two.
Consider Using A Sanitiser
Generally rinsing your electric toothbrush with water is adequate but some patients have started using toothbrush sanitiser. It isn’t considered essential, but making use of a toothbrush sanitiser may help to keep your electric toothbrushes cleaner.
Clean The Electric Toothbrush Holder And Accessories Regularly.
Keep It Covered
If you are travelling remember to keep your electric toothbrush and accessories properly covered. Don’t leave them free in a toiletry bag or mix your electric toothbrush with other items, where they can pick up dirt, dust and debris. This only applies when you are traveling. When you are at home you should store your toothbrush uncovered.
When To Replace An Electric Toothbrush?
It is good practice to replace your manual toothbrush or electric toothbrush every three months or so. Or consider replacing it when
The Bristles Are Worn
The bristles of an electric toothbrush will indicate when they are ready for replacement, and may look a bit worn. Worn bristles don’t do a good job at keeping your mouth clean and need to be replaced.
During A Time Of Illness
In the event that you or someone else in your home becomes sick with a contagious disease, it is good practice to change your toothbrush.
If Someone Else Uses It
In the event that someone else has to use your toothbrush, you shouldn’t use it again. Rather replace it straight away.
The First Time You Use The Electric Toothbrush
Before your first use you will need to fully charge the battery of your electric toothbrush. This is usually for around 16 hours.
If you’d like to know more about the best way to clean an electric toothbrush please get in touch with us: (02) 9159 6237.