Age can change your lifestyle in many ways, and dental care is no exception. Common conditions that cause joint pain or muscle weakness can make it difficult to brush the way you used to. If you’re dealing with arthritis or another condition that affects your hands, your dentist may advise switching to an electric toothbrush to preserve your oral health.

Why Dentists Recommend Electric Toothbrushes

If you're careful and have a full range of movement, a manual toothbrush can remove plaque effectively and keep your teeth healthy. However, not everyone who uses a manual toothbrush is using it as effectively as their dentist would like. An electric toothbrush makes it easier to clean your mouth completely, which makes it more effective at removing plaque every time. The automatic movement of the bristles means you don't have to scrub, protecting your arm, wrist, and shoulder from pain and fatigue.

Electric toothbrushes also come with a number of other features that help you maintain a healthy routine. A brush with a built-in timer will tell you how long to brush. Many models also have different modes for different parts of your mouth, pressure sensors that will prevent you from brushing too hard, and a selection of different heads to fit your dental care needs.

How to Use an Electric Toothbrush

Just like with a manual toothbrush, you need to brush twice a day for two minutes at a time using a small amount of fluoride toothpaste. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth and turn it on. Run it slowly over the front, back, and chewing surface of each tooth, letting the brush head do the work of scrubbing.

Clean gently along your gumline and scrub your tongue to remove any food particles and bacteria. Once a day, you should also floss to clean areas the brush might miss. If using string floss is difficult, a water pick will make this task easier.

When you need a reliable dentist to keep you smiling through your golden years, Dansville Family Dental Care is ready to help. For over 10 years, Dr. Rosemeire Santos-Teachout, DDS, MS, and her team have offered advanced treatment options for patients throughout Livingston County, NY. They accept a wide range of insurance options to make their services affordable and accessible. Call them at (585) 335-6170 to make an appointment, and visit their website to learn more about the practice.