Guest blog by: Dr. Nimesh Patel
Brushing your teeth when you have braces can be tricky, but having the right tools can make it so much easier to keep your teeth clean and healthy. If you or someone in your life currently has braces, you might be wondering whether using an electric toothbrush actually makes a difference. The answer is YES.
It’s important to remember that food and plaque will inevitably get stuck in your braces, so you need to clean them often. Electric toothbrushes, particularly those with cool features like timers and pressure sensors, can help you brush your teeth for the ideal amount of time and with the right amount of pressure, which is great for cleaning around braces.
In this blog, we'll talk about why electric toothbrushes are preferred for people with braces and answer some frequently asked questions. So, let's dive in!
Understanding Electric Toothbrushes and Braces
An electric toothbrush can be a real game-changer if you have braces. These toothbrushes can reach places a manual toothbrush might miss, thanks to their rotating, oscillating, or vibrating movements. They cover more area and are more effective at removing plaque and food around the brackets and wires of your braces. This constant movement ensures that every tooth gets a good clean, which is sometimes hard to achieve with a regular toothbrush. If you’re doubting whether an electric toothbrush actually has a significant impact, a recent study found that using an electric toothbrush led to a 21% reduction in plaque in just 3 months!
Electric toothbrushes also have some handy features that make brushing easier. Automatic timers can help you brush for the full two minutes recommended by dentists, and pressure sensors let you know if you’re brushing too hard, which is important to avoid damaging your braces or irritating your gums. Different brushing modes can be gentle on sensitive teeth but still clean thoroughly. These high-tech features can improve your dental hygiene, reduce cavities and gum disease, and keep your orthodontic treatment on track.
Can You Use an Electric Toothbrush with Braces?
Yes! In fact, many orthodontists recommend it. Electric toothbrushes are fantastic at keeping your teeth clean while you're undergoing orthodontic treatment because their consistent motion and vibrations remove more plaque and debris than a manual toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes can achieve between 2,500 and 7,500 strokes per minute, compared to around 300 strokes per minute with a manual toothbrush. That’s a lot more cleaning power.
However, when using an electric toothbrush, it's also important to choose a setting that’s gentle on your teeth and braces. Most electric toothbrushes come with different settings so that you can adjust to suit your needs. You should always be intentional while cleaning your teeth but it’s crucial if you have braces. Be sure the brush head is angled correctly while brushing and you spend enough time on each tooth to effectively clean the plaque around the brackets and wires.
Extra tip: Don't forget to replace your brush heads REGULARLY for the best performance. You can ask your orthodontist for recommendations on how often to do this.
How to Use an Electric Toothbrush for Braces
Using an electric toothbrush with braces can play a huge role in keeping your mouth healthy.
Here’s a simple guide to get you started:
- Choosing the Right Brush Head: Pick a brush head with soft bristles that can fit around your braces without causing any damage.
- Using Fluoride or Nano-hydroxyapatite Toothpaste: Fluoride and/or nHA toothpaste strengthen your enamel and protect against tooth decay. Ask your orthodontist for recommendations if you’re unsure. Click here for one of our favorites!
- Positioning the Brush: Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line and brace brackets.
- Brushing Above and Below Brackets: Clean above and below each bracket one at a time.
- Applying Gentle Pressure: Let the electric toothbrush do most of the work. Use light pressure.
- Cleaning Around Brackets and Wires: Make sure to gently clean around the brackets and wires to remove trapped food particles. (You should also be flossing! Check out the Slate Flosser braces head to help with trapped food and overall gum health.)
- Brushing for Two Minutes: Brush for at least two minutes, making sure to clean the front, back, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.
- Rinsing Thoroughly: After brushing, rinse your mouth with water or a mouthwash designed for braces to get rid of any loose debris.
Following these steps will help you keep your teeth and braces clean, ensuring a healthy and beautiful smile when your braces come off!
Better for Braces: Electric Toothbrush or Manual?
Dentists often recommend electric toothbrushes because they're safe and effective for cleaning teeth with braces. The key is to use the right technique—gently cleaning each part of your mouth while holding the brush at a 45-degree angle. The technique you use can often be more important than the type of toothbrush.
FAQs
Will an Electric Toothbrush Break My Braces?
Nope! As long as you brush gently and follow the proper technique, using an electric toothbrush won't break your braces.
Is an Electric Toothbrush Good for Braces?
Yes, it is! Electric toothbrushes are great for reaching those tricky spots where food and bacteria can get trapped.
Can I Prevent My Electric Toothbrush Base from Molding?
Yes, you can prevent mold by storing your electric toothbrush in a dry place. After brushing, make sure all the water has dripped off. Also, replace the brush heads every 2-3 months to avoid bacterial build-up.
Should I Use an Electric Toothbrush with a Pressure Sensor Instead of a Manual Toothbrush?
Yes, especially if you have sensitive teeth. A toothbrush with a pressure sensor prevents you from brushing too hard and damaging your enamel.
Do I Have to Brush My Teeth More with Braces?
Yes, you should brush and floss regularly if you have braces. This keeps your gums and teeth healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment. Talk to your orthodontist about setting up a good dental routine. Click here to learn more about the Slate Flosser braces heads to make flossing with braces easier.