Q&A for How to Use an Electric Toothbrush

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How do you use an electric toothbrush properly?

Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist
Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a Board Certified Dentist and Owner of Tu's Dental, her private practice, in Brooklyn, New York. With over six years of clinical experience, Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.

Tu Anh Vu, DMD

Board Certified Dentist

Expert Answer

Avoid scrubbing your teeth too hard, as this can lead to enamel erosion and receding gums.

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Should each quadrant have a pea-size toothpaste, or does that pea-size toothpaste represent the whole mouth?

Cristian Macau, DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Dr. Macau is a Doctor of Dental Surgery based in London, England. Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic where he is known for his cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics work. He is actively involved in scientific research in the field of dentistry and he received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015.

Cristian Macau, DDS

Doctor of Dental Surgery

Expert Answer

The pea sized amount of toothpaste is for the entire mouth. You should not exceed this amount, especially if you use an abrasive toothpaste or a toothpaste that has a high concentration of fluoride.

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Question

What is the proper way to position an electric toothbrush on teeth and gums?

Cristian Macau, DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Dr. Macau is a Doctor of Dental Surgery based in London, England. Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic where he is known for his cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics work. He is actively involved in scientific research in the field of dentistry and he received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015.

Cristian Macau, DDS

Doctor of Dental Surgery

Expert Answer

The best way is to place the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle and use a low pressure on all of your tooth surfaces. For the lateral surfaces, you can use circular strokes combined with vertical ones. For the chewing surfaces, simply use circular movements.

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Question

Why would I purchase an electric toothbrush over a manual one?

Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist
Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a Board Certified Dentist and Owner of Tu's Dental, her private practice, in Brooklyn, New York. With over six years of clinical experience, Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.

Tu Anh Vu, DMD

Board Certified Dentist

Expert Answer

An electric toothbrush will get your teeth cleaner than a manual brush because it pulsates at a higher rate than your hand can move. It's also really good for anyone who has a condition that affects their mobility. In addition, many electrical toothbrushes come with a built-in timer, which is really helpful for anyone who has trouble brushing for two whole minutes.

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