You might not be using your electric toothbrush correctly: Here's what you should know

The importance of good dental hygiene cannot be stressed more. Not brushing your teeth properly can not only lead to serious health problems, it can also increase your risk of developing this devastating memory disorder.

Even though many people these days have switched from regular toothbrushes to using electric toothbrush, most of us are still making some big mistakes when using it.

As per experts, here are some things you should stop doing while using your electric toothbrush.

Study finds wide incorrect use of electric toothbrush

As per The Brighter Side, a study conducted by Oral Health Foundation, UK found out that many people who use electric toothbrushes have not been adhering to the best practices for good dental health.

For example, more than half of the people who use electric toothbrushes do not brush their teeth for the recommended two minutes. Again, turns out that many people wait for far too long to replace the brush head on their toothbrushes.

Yes, you should brush your teeth thoroughly for at least 2 minutes. Many electric toothbrushes these days already come with 2 minute timer.

Again, your electric toothbrush head should be replaced every two to four months.

Things you should and should not do while using electric toothbrush

As per Oral B, here are some of the things you should keep in mind while using electric toothbrush:

• Make sure your toothbrush is charged.
• Do not press hard or scrub on your teeth with the brush. Be gentle.
• Start with the outside surfaces of the teeth. Brush slowly from tooth to tooth, holding brush head in place for a few seconds against each tooth before moving on to the next one. Follow along with the shape of each tooth and the curve of the gums.
• Repeat on the inside surfaces of the teeth, chewing surface as well as behind the back teeth.
• Direct the brush head along the gum line and upon the gums.
• Try grazing the brush head along your gum line, followed by your tongue and the roof of your mouth, back to front. This will help freshen your breath.

Read more:

⋙ This common mouthwash mistake can ruin your teeth, dentist warns

⋙ Should you brush your teeth right after eating? Scientists answer

⋙ 90-year-old woman was declared dead, what happened next shocked her doctors

Sources used:

The Brighter Side: ' Most people use their electric toothbrush incorrectly, breakthrough study finds'

Oral- B: ' How To Use An Electric Toothbrush?'