Should you use an electric toothbrush when undergoing braces treatment? This is a common question we hear at Berwick Orthodontic Specialists from our braces patients. In short, the answer is yes! Dr Sudjalim recommends an electric toothbrush to braces patients in order to optimise their dental hygiene habits.
Whilst standard toothbrushes are still 100% ok for cleaning your teeth and braces, we do find that an electric toothbrush allows for a deeper clean, and can be angled to better clean the braces. An electric toothbrush makes cleaning teeth easier, especially with braces. The speed an electric toothbrush operates at can be the equivalent of 2500+ strokes per minute, which is perfect for cleaning the teeth and braces in just two 2-3 minutes cleans per day.
For patients with sub-optimal dental hygiene, regular use of an electric toothbrush may significantly improve your dental health by agitating buildup plaque that manually brush may not.
Common questions about braces and brushing that we hear at Berwick Orthodontic Specialists
- Are electric toothbrushes worth the money? Decent electric toothbrushes will often cost $100+, whereas a standard toothbrush will cost less than $10. However, if you are someone who needs to improve their oral hygiene, an electric toothbrush may be a good investment.
- Will an electric toothbrush damage my child’s braces? Parents typically report to our staff that they are worried that the force of an electric toothbrush may damage the braces or even cause the wires to break! This is a valid concern as braces are delicate. However, provided your child is brushing their teeth and braces with care, they will be fine.
- What will happen if I forget to brush with braces? Brushing your teeth when undergoing braces treatment is very important. Failing to do so can result in poor oral hygiene, permanent staining of the teeth, gingivitis and tooth decay.
- How often should I use my electric toothbrush with braces? Dr Sudjalim always recommends brushing your braces and teeth for two minutes at least twice a day. However, as food can often become stuck in your braces when eating, if you have the means to brush your teeth after each meal, we would recommend it. However, we recommend waiting for at least 30 minutes after eating before you brush your teeth.
Find out more about braces treatment in Berwick
Are you interested in finding out more about orthodontic treatment with braces? Contact our Berwick practice on (03) 9212 0217 or request a consultation online today with our specialist orthodontist Dr Theresia Sudjalim.