Brush your teeth properly: This is how electric toothbrushes work

You bought an electric toothbrush specifically to take perfect care of your teeth. But do you also know how it works properly?

When you brush your teeth, annoying bacteria can remain in your mouth. This not only puts you at risk of bad smell, but also damage to your teeth. Brushing your teeth correctly is not just about the technique itself. It is also important what type of toothbrush you use: Electric toothbrushes work differently than traditional manual toothbrushes.

How to use an electric toothbrush correctly: That’s not how it works

We learned as children: When brushing your teeth, you move the toothbrush in circles over your teeth. Many people do the same with their electric ones. But that’s wrong, as TikToker @themadentist demonstrates:

Nevertheless, her followers are not convinced. One user comments: “I don’t have the patience and it feels like it doesn’t clean properly.” (Translation: “I don’t have the patience and it feels like it doesn’t clean properly.”) Other duties with: “I feel like it’s getting double cleaned this way”, i.e.: “I think they get twice as clean this way.” And questions also remain unanswered: “What about the toothbrushes that just vibrate and don’t spin?” Is there a difference between sonic toothbrushes and rotating-oscillating models?

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Rotating version or sonic toothbrush: how to use it correctly

If you brush electrically, you no longer scrub your teeth clean as usual. The toothbrush does this for you on its own. No matter whether rotating-oscillating or with sound: toothbrushes with electricity oscillate many times faster than you could. The YouTube channel FELGNER dental preservation demonstrates how to do it correctly:

• Rotating-oscillating models have a round head that only covers one tooth. Hold the toothbrush at a slight angle to the gum line and slowly move it from tooth to tooth. You should stay at each point for a few seconds.
• Sonic toothbrushes usually have an oval head that brushes several teeth at the same time. Hold this under your gums at a 45° angle. Now wipe your teeth from red to white.

Use these instructions to brush your teeth properly

No matter which model you own. How to best care for your teeth:

• Brush at least twice a day for at least two minutes. Three are better.
• Brush in the morning before eating, not after. Ideally, you should wait thirty minutes after your meal. If you don’t have the time, you should rinse your mouth with water to establish the correct pH value. Insider tip: Cheese also helps.
• Brush your teeth according to KAI: chewing surfaces, outer surfaces, inner surfaces. Remember that each tooth has five surfaces – don’t forget the spaces between the teeth on the left and right.
• Hold the toothbrush at an angle so that the bristles get between your teeth. Hold the brush upright on the back of the incisors.
• Check yourself in the mirror so you don’t forget a tooth.
• So that the toothpaste neither splashes nor slips off the toothbrush too early, you can spread it before you turn on the electric toothbrush.
• After brushing, rinse your toothbrush thoroughly to prevent germs from accumulating.
• Don’t forget your tongue: brush it with a manual toothbrush.
• Also important: floss every evening.

This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.