Sansation

What Is A Rechargeable Toothbrush?

A rechargeable electric toothbrush (also known as a “power” toothbrush) can help you do more to maintain the health of your teeth and gums. Many Oral-B rechargeable toothbrushes use oscillating-rotating technology to provide better oral health results than regular manual toothbrushes. This brushing action is very different from that of regular 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.

Before You Begin

Before you begin brushing, be sure to ask your dental professional for recommendations on technique. It also might be helpful to refer to the brushing instructions supplied with your electric toothbrush.

To start, apply a fluoride toothpaste to the brush head (and by the way, remember to replace the brush head on your power toothbrush every three months).

Two Minutes, Twice a Day

To brush your teeth correctly, spend at least two minutes using a recommended technique, which includes 30 seconds brushing each section of your mouth (upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left), both morning and night. Most rechargeable electric toothbrushes have built-in two-minute timers, and some even have professional timers that parse out 30 seconds for each quadrant to help you keep track.

Positioning The Electric Toothbrush

When using a rechargeable electric toothbrush, it isn’t necessary to press hard or scrub. Simply guide the brush while it provides the brushing action. In fact, some electric toothbrushes, like Oral-B ProfessionalCare 5000 with Wireless SmartGuide,TM have pressure sensors that alert you when you’re brushing too hard.

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: Repeat Step 2 on the chewing surfaces of the teeth as well as behind the back teeth.

Step 5: Direct the brush head along the gum line and upon the gums. Again, do not press hard or scrub.

Step 6: Try grazing the brush head along your tongue and the roof of your mouth, back to front, to help freshen your breath.

With proper brushing technique with a rechargeable electric toothbrush, a little practice every day will help make it feel like second nature. Before you know it, you’ll be brushing with confidence knowing you’re using the clinically proven technology of a rechargeable electric toothbrush to clean your teeth.

Info courtesy OralB

There have been a number of articles lately on the relationship between periodontal (gum) disease and heart disease, what isn’t widely reported is the relationship between periodontal (gum) disease and respiratory disorders.  With ‘swine flu’ spreading again with the winter months and the identification of high risk groups, particularly asthmatics and those with other respiratory problems, I feel it is a timely reminder of the simple things we can do to help lower some additional risk.

Research has indicated the relationship between gum disease and respiratory disorders, with the potential to cause and further complicate existing lung conditions.   Bacteria are thought to be inhaled into the lungs, via fine droplets from the mouth and throat. The bacteria contained within the droplets can then breed and multiply within the lungs causing damage. The damaged lungs cannot effectively eliminate the bacteria and thus are more susceptible to additional lung infections.

Bacteria from the mouth have been shown to cause pneumonia, especially in individuals with existing periodontal (gum) disease. Further research is being done to learn to what extent periodontal (gum) disease may contribute to frequent occurrences of respiratory diseases.

‘Swine flu’ is spreading and those with respiratory disorders have been warned to take particular care if they contract the virus. 75% of the adult population over the age of 35 has some form of gum disease and possibly don’t know it! If your gums bleed, you have bad breath, your teeth look longer, or have become loose; you are in danger of periodontal (gum) disease. This could increase the severity or complicate your symptoms of ‘swine flu’ and in fact any flu.

Simple things you can do, to help reduce the risks to you and your family. Brush your teeth twice a day; floss your teeth at least once a day and help your children learn the importance of good oral hygiene also. If you haven’t seen a dental professional in sometime you can have an exam with a dentist or you can have a professional clean and gum assessment by a Hygienist.

Periodontal (gum) disease is proving to have a large impact on general health, if you are concerned or want to see what else can be aggravated by this disease please go to the ‘health check’ section or book an appointment with a dental professional.