How To Use a Sonic Toothbrush?

As children, we were taught that we should brush our teeth at least twice a day. However, that doesn’t guarantee complete or ideal oral health, especially if you’re using a manual toothbrush. 

The truth is that although inexpensive and widely used, traditional toothbrushes just aren’t as effective as the electric ones. 

These days, Sonic toothbrushes are all the rage, and rightly so. Dentists recommend Sonic toothbrushes to children and adults of all ages because they are safe, easy to use, and highly effective at cleaning teeth and gums. 

What Is a Sonic Toothbrush? 

A Sonic toothbrush is an electric device that leverages the latest technology for top-notch solutions. Think of it as the smartphone of toothbrushes. 

This rechargeable device has an oscillating brush head with soft bristles that reach the furthest parts of your mouth with ease. Its Sonic waves vibrate, ensuring saliva and toothpaste get to the narrowest crevices in your mouth.

Why Should You Use a Sonic Toothbrush? 

Oral Health

Sonic toothbrushes use the latest technology to deliver the most effective methods to maintain oral health and hygiene. They remove stubborn plaque, get into the deepest crevices of your mouth, and even whiten teeth with time. 

User Friendliness

You have to move your hand back and forth and in a circular motion when using a traditional toothbrush. 

A Sonic toothbrush doesn’t need you to do any of that. All you have to do is move it along your teeth and gums while the oscillating brush head does the rest. As a result, it is much easier to use.

Smart Features 

Sonic toothbrushes have some very impressive features. Some of them include: 

Sensors

Sensors will notify you if the pressure you’ve applied to your teeth is too harsh. This will help you avoid injuries and maintain your tooth and gum health. 

Modes 

Sonic toothbrushes have different types of cleaning modes for optimal hygiene. Some specialized settings include deep cleaning, sensitive, regular, and tongue cleaning modes. 

Depending on your dental health, you can choose one or switch between multiple modes for highly effective brushing sessions.

Timer 

This is one of the best features and most useful Sonic toothbrush features. When using traditional toothbrushes, you may not be intentional about how long you brush, but when you have a toothbrush with a timer, a beep or flashing light will tell you when you spend more than two minutes brushing your teeth. It will also let you know if you’ve brushed the same spot for over 30 seconds. This reduces the chances of developing sensitivities and bruising. 

Eco-friendliness 

Traditional toothbrushes must be replaced every 3 to 4 months because they no longer work as effectively and will likely harbor bacteria. As a result, millions of plastic toothbrushes end up in landfills. 

Sonic toothbrushes need not be replaced every few months—only the brush heads need to be changed. Brush heads are significantly smaller, thus reducing waste. 

A Sonic toothbrush can last as long as five years or longer if well cared for.

Charging Methods 

Most Sonic toothbrushes are rechargeable, so you don’t have to worry about replacing their batteries. Depending on manufacturer instructions, you only need to plug it in to charge for about 12 to 24 hours. The device lasts about 3 to 4 weeks.

Speed 

With a manual toothbrush, your arm can make 300 strokes per minute. Basic electric ones will give you 2500 to 7000 within the same period. 

Sonic toothbrushes are the most powerful, with ten times more strokes per minute. 

Coverage 

Sonic toothbrushes also have better reach, as the vibrations push toothpaste into the tiniest crevices. Moreover, you can map your mouth through the app to learn which spots you often miss. 

Step-By-Step Guide on How To Use Sonic Toothbrushes

Using a Sonic toothbrush is quite easy, much more straightforward than traditional, manual brushes. 

Follow the steps below if it is your first time using a Sonic toothbrush: 

Setup 

Before using your Sonic toothbrush, you must know all of its features. First, hook it up on the charger that came with it and let it charge for at least 12 hours or until you see an indication that it is fully charged (this depends on the brand). 

Download the app for the toothbrush and connect it to your phone. This will help you map your mouth’s health and streamline your brushing routine. Explore the app or the brush itself to understand the various modes (if any).

Pre-care 

Attach the brush head to the toothbrush and make sure it’s set in place. Before you begin brushing, wet the brush head; this ensures the toothpaste spreads evenly. 

Once the bristles are wet, apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Do not put more than the suggested amount, as it could be messy, and you may end up swallowing some of it. 

Brush 

Place the brush at an angle and switch the toothbrush on. Do not switch it on before you place it in your mouth to avoid splattering. 

Glide the brush little by little on all sides to get rid of surface debris. Do not move it in a circular motion, as the oscillating brush head is already doing so. Try not to spend more than 30 seconds in one spot—you can activate the timer to help you with this.

You should spend at most two full minutes brushing your teeth. Again, if you have set a timer, the device will set off an alarm or automatically power down, indicating that you need to stop brushing. This feature varies from brand to brand. 

Rinse 

After brushing, rinse your mouth with water to remove the toothpaste and any lingering debris in your mouth. This is an important step, as swallowing toothpaste can be harmful. Rinsing your mouth also eliminates bacteria that may have been left behind. 

Then, clean the brush head thoroughly. You can do this by rinsing it under running water. Pay close attention to the bristles and make sure to remove any lingering residue. If there is toothpaste running down the handle of the brush, wash that off, too. 

And you’re done! It’s amazing how easy it is to use a Sonic toothbrush; there’s absolutely no hassle involved. It is pretty much the same as brushing with a regular, manual toothbrush, if not easier. 

That said, there are some things you must pay attention to when using a Sonic toothbrush. 

The Don’ts of Brushing With a Sonic Toothbrush

Brushing Aggressively 

Many novice Sonic toothbrush users make the mistake of brushing too aggressively. When using such an advanced device, you barely need to apply any pressure—the toothbrush does it all for you. Only glide it slowly and carefully along your teeth and gums. 

Be as gentle as possible when using a sonic toothbrush. It is designed to make brushing your teeth more convenient, so you can go easy on it. 

Choosing the Wrong Brush Head

Sometimes, brands provide brush heads that aren’t suitable for your oral hygiene needs. If the brush head is uncomfortable or its bristles are too hard for your teeth, it is best to replace it. 

Choose a brush head with high-quality bristles so your gums do not get bruised and bleed. It should be easy to switch out brush heads across brands, but make sure to check compatibility before purchasing a replacement.

Choosing the Wrong Cleaning Mode

Most Sonic toothbrushes have several cleaning modes. Depending on your needs, choose one that will deliver optimum results. Brushing every day with the correct mode is essential, as the oscillating speeds vary and could cause damage when misused. 

For example, if you have sensitive teeth, use the toothbrush at the lowest setting—not deep clean—so it remains gentle on your teeth and gums. If you need to clean your tongue, use the tongue cleaning option, as it will do the best job compared to other cleaning modes. 

Reducing the Number of Times You Brush

The results you see after using the Sonic toothbrush just once are astounding. Some even compare it to a visit to the dentist after a cleaning appointment.

But as impressive as these results are, do not take it for granted and reduce the number of times you brush. Continue brushing twice daily to achieve pearly whites, healthy gums, and a shining smile.

Quitting Flossing

While Sonic toothbrushes are more effective than traditional manual ones, using them doesn’t mean you can stop flossing. Sonic toothbrushes can reach tiny crevices and the farthest parts of your mouth and keep it clean, but flossing in between your teeth is still a necessary step. 

Think of it as a double authenticator to ensure there’s no dirt left behind in your mouth.

Conclusion 

If you’re looking for an upgrade from your manual toothbrush or simply want to take your oral hygiene up a notch, Sonic toothbrushes are a great option. Although the initial investment could be quite expensive at $50 and above, it’s worth the price as it effectively whitens and brightens your teeth, removes plaque, and massages your gums to boost oral health. 

Moreover, it’s more eco-friendly than traditional plastic brushes. The personalized oral care it provides trumps all the other features, so it’s worth the try. 

In any case, contact your dentist if you wish to buy a Sonic toothbrush but are still determining how to proceed. They may have a few reliable recommendations.