Electric Toothbrushes?

[Blondii428]

Before braces I always used an electric toothbrush, and I really want to go back to it because I feel like it cleans better. Some sites say it's okay to use them but I'm not sure..are they too rough or will they damage something?

[Zoso]

I've heard of quite a few orthodontists who give out brushes such as the Sonicare or the Oral B.

[Sunny]

Blondii we recommend using small soft toothbrushes ... the ones that are sold for children and/or electric toothbrushes that take small brush heads, like the oral b range.

Electric toothbrushes are fine as long as they're used correctly, which means used without too much pressure. The pressure is not about the brackets and archwire, but for the benefit of your gums. Also teeth shouldn't be brushed too vigorously, as the enamel can be damaged.

[Zoso]

In fact, I've heard more than one dentist say that it is easier to brush correctly - so as not to damage the enamel or especially the gums - with an electric than with a manual toothbrush. It's particularly easier for someone who currently brushes too hard to relearn to brush correctly with an electric brush than a manual. It's easier because you can largely let the brush do the work.

Of course, everyone should be using a soft-bristle brush. But there's no need, as a general rule, for adults to use children's brushes (post-orthognathic surgery excepted!), though some few people may find only the children's brushes soft enough for their liking or to overcome their bad (overly hard) brushing habits.

[18daystobrace]

I went back to electric brush yesterday after finding out I had alot of stains which was easily removed on my last dental cleaning checkup. I also suspect the flouride rinse was contributing to help the tomato sauce / tea / coffee stain the teeth. Even my non brace tooth was staining. Before getting braces I had no strains, . I brush with regular tooth brush and then second time with electric brush. My ortho said my braces looks very clean.

After Listerine Rinse I do a quick brush with colgiate toothpaste and water rinse as a substitute for fluoride rinse to neutralize the acid from Listerine.

[cellardoor]

Prior to getting braces, I had never used an electric toothbrush. My ortho gave me one on the day I got braces. Initially I was stoked to try it out. I used it a few times, and I absolutely hated it. Maybe I was using it wrong. I don't know, but I couldn't adjust to it. I have been using a regular toothbrush since then. I just had a cleaning, and everything looks good. I guess it all depends on how you brush and what feels comfortable for you. Since my ortho gave me the electric one, I'm assuming they're safe to use on braces.

[mikedatooth]

i also use the rota dent that was given to mariah in the contest. The sonicare and others are WAY to rough and brushed away my gum line pretty good.

I switched dentist and they gave me the rota dent for 90 bucks I think. I have been using it for 1 year now and won't use anything else.

[mariahfromchicago]

I liked the rotadent!

[mikedatooth]

lucky you mariah to win it! your blog is great by the way!

tip on the rotadent - charge it once for 24 hours and run it until dead and then charge again, instead of charging frequently.

That is what my dentist told me and I havent had any issues.