Can gums recede with an electric toothbrush?
Put simply, if an electric toothbrush is used improperly, the gums can recede; however, the same applies to the manual toothbrush. The danger is, of course, if the brush is pressed too hard on the gums and the movements of the brush are exerted on the gums. If you use the wrong brushing technique or a fixed toothbrush, this can also happen with a manual toothbrush over time.
It is therefore important that you do not press too hard and that you still exercise movement from gum to tooth. Patients who have difficulties to clean their gums exactly are recommended to use an electric brush, because it is more likely to avoid gum inflammation. In the long run, the gums are protected. Gum recession is often caused by gingivitis and is favored by incorrect brushing techniques.
Does the electric toothbrush also remove tartar?
Tartar is plaque that has hardened due to components of the saliva because the plaque has not been removed over a long period of time. In contrast to the soft and wipeable plaque plaque, tartar is very hard and adheres firmly to the tooth surface and cannot be easily removed. Once the plaque has converted to tartar, it can only be removed mechanically with sharp instruments.
This is neither possible by brushing the teeth nor with any special toothpastes. The only way to remove tartar is professional dental cleaning at the dentist’s, who uses appropriate devices that can remove tartar from the tooth without damaging the enamel or gums. So tartar cannot be removed directly, but the formation of plaque and tartar can be influenced. In many cases, teeth are cleaned more thoroughly by electric toothbrushes compared to manual toothbrushes. Some places are better reached, which slows down the formation of tartar.
How to clean an electric toothbrush properly?
The problem with the brush heads for the electrical appliances is that they are changed too seldom. By applying less pressure and movement, the bristles are hardly deformed. So you cannot see how much the brush has already been used.
Actually, the attachments should also be changed about every 2 months, because they are contaminated by bacteria. It is important to clean the brush heads thoroughly after each use with plenty of water. The toothbrush itself should be cleaned with a damp cloth, otherwise the electronics could be damaged.
It is not recommended to use methods such as boiling the brush or soaking it in citric acid. The brush and the hard plastic may withstand the heat and the acid, but not all bacteria are killed. Many bacteria are destroyed at 60 degrees or by the acid, but the more dangerous or stronger bacteria develop a resistance and can still survive.
The same is true for mouth rinses. Overnight you can put your toothbrush in the same liquid that you use as a mouthwash. This may reduce the number of germs. It is of course worth trying to reduce the number of germs by using the methods described above and cleaning the toothbrush especially thoroughly. It is therefore crucial to replace the brush heads at regular intervals.
