Power Brushing the Right Way

Step 1: Make sure your toothbrush is charged. Many electric toothbrushes have charge level indicator lights, so you can actually see when the toothbrush is charged.

Step 2: Start with the outside surfaces of the teeth. Guide the brush head slowly from tooth to tooth, holding the 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.

Step 3: Repeat Step 2 on the inside surfaces of the teeth.

Step 4: Clean the chewing surfaces of each tooth as well as behind the back teeth.

Step 5: Brush your tongue back to front to help freshen your breath.

What Toothbrush Bristles Should I Be Using?

Brushing your teeth twice a day is essential for good oral hygiene. Most of us are more inclined to stick to a good oral health care routine if the type of toothbrush - especially the type of bristle - is comfortable and feels just right.

So next time you buy a toothbrush, be sure to read the package to find out what type of bristles it has. There are several types of toothbrush bristles designed to meet different needs:

• Hard, medium, or soft: Most dentists recommend soft-bristled toothbrushes, and extra-soft bristled toothbrushes for anyone who has sensitive teeth or gums, or is recovering from a dental procedure. Some people simply prefer soft bristles. But many people who don't have sensitive teeth or gums prefer firmer bristles.


• Shapes and sizes: Toothbrush technology has come a long way, and you can choose from toothbrushes with a variety of bristle types. For example, some toothbrushes bristles feature a cup shape for cleaning around teeth, a diagonal pattern of bristles to clean the sides of the teeth and along the gum line, or mix in a number of longer bristles that can help clean between the teeth. Brush heads are also available in different sizes for different sizes mouths and brushing styles. Most Oral-B brushes feature Indicator® bristles that change color after a few months of use to remind you that it is time to replace your toothbrush.

If you aren't sure what style of toothbrush bristle is best for you, ask your dentist for suggestions. In the end, the best toothbrush is the one that feels most comfortable to you - so you'll use it every day.

Using a Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

To use a rechargeable electric toothbrush: Place toothpaste on the brush head and hold the brush at a 45-degree angle, just as you would a manual toothbrush. Put the toothbrush in your mouth then turn it on. Move the brush from tooth to tooth. The smaller heads of most rechargeable electric toothbrushes usually brush about one tooth at a time, depending on the size of your teeth. Guide the electric brush along the inside surfaces, outside surfaces, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.

Even with a rechargeable electric toothbrush, you should spend about two minutes brushing to ensure that you've cleaned each tooth. When you've finished brushing, simply rinse the brush head with water and allow it to dry.

Types of Cavities

When plaque is not removed by a consistent oral care routine of daily brushing and flossing, your teeth are more likely to develop cavities. Visit a dentist or dental hygienist regularly so he or she can check your teeth for any problems including cavities or gum disease symptoms. Not all cavities are the same, and your dentist can tell you what type you have after examining your teeth with dental instruments. He or she may also use x-rays to confirm areas of decay. The three types of cavities are:

• Root decay. This type of decay is the most common type among older adults who are more likely to have receding gums. It occurs on the surface of the roots of the teeth.


• Pit and fissure decay. This type of decay occurs on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. It can be prevented with proper tooth brushing; however if you're inconsistent in your oral hygiene, this type of decay can quickly become severe.


• Smooth-surface decay. This type of decay occurs on the outside flat surface of the teeth when bacteria is not removed and plaque builds up. It's the least serious kind and may be treatable with fluoride. It's also helpful to know that this type of decay may be positively impacted by regular and proper dental flossing.

Why Is The Brush Head On Most Oral-B Power Brushes Round?

The brush head is round on many Oral-B rechargeable toothbrushes to achieve tooth by tooth cleaning, similar to the tool dental professionals use. Many Oral-B rechargeable toothbrushes use oscillating-rotating technology to provide better oral health results than manual toothbrushes. This brushing action is very different from that of manual toothbrushes, as it provides the movement, while you need only guide it.

For that reason, some people may find brushing with an electric toothbrush easier once they learn how to do it properly. Just remember that the key to brushing well with an electric toothbrush is to guide the brush head to all parts of your mouth.

Cavities/Tooth Decay

When it comes to cavities/tooth decay, prevention is the best protection. Prevent cavities by keeping plaque under control with a consistent schedule of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing. Choose from among the many types of toothbrushes and flossing products to find something you'll like, so you're more likely to use it every day.

Certain factors can increase your risk for developing tooth decay. Not brushing and flossing your teeth to remove plaque is a top risk factor, but keep these others in mind:

• Specific foods and drinks. Foods that cling to your teeth are the most likely to promote tooth decay. All sugars and most cooked starchy foods are major plaque promoters, including milk, honey, hard candy, dry cereal and bread.


• Frequent snacking. Some diets suggest eating several small meals each day to help lose weight or maintain weight loss. But remember that if you snack frequently, no matter what type of food, the acid in the food has more time to damage your teeth. Here's another tip: Brushing your teeth after eating not only removes plaque, it can also help you stick to your diet by making your mouth feel cleaner so you'll be less likely to snack.


• Bottled water instead of tap. Many people are concerned about the quality of their local tap water, but public water supplies contain fluoride, which promotes oral health by helping to protect tooth enamel. Check the labels on your bottled water-some have added fluoride. And if you have children, check with your dentist about the correct amount of fluoride that they should get to help control plaque and promote oral health.


• Receding gums. If your gums are receding, plaque can form near the roots of the teeth, which are not protected by tooth enamel and are more vulnerable to decay.

Get the Most From Your Dental Visit

In order to get the maximum benefits from every dental visit, it's important to keep your dentist informed about your overall health as well as your oral health. Your dentist needs to know about any abnormal symptoms related to oral health, including pain or sensitivity in the teeth and gums, problems with chewing or swallowing, or pain in your mouth or jaw, or if you suspect that you have new cavities or lesions. Don't wait for the dentist to find a sore spot or hope that he or she will miss it. It's important to catch new dental symptoms early so they can be treated before they become more severe.

In addition, be sure to tell your dentist about any medical conditions or issues that have developed since your last visit, such as becoming pregnant or undergoing chemotherapy. And if you're taking any medications, bring a list of them to each dental visit. Your dentist will want to be sure that any medications that he or she might prescribe for an oral health problem won't have a dangerous interaction with any medications you're taking for other conditions.