Electric Toothbrush

I use an electric toothbrush. I started using it a several months ago, and the result has been remarkable. The toothbrush is made by Oral-B and I paid about $20 at Wal-Mart. I can't find the exact model that I use anymore in the store or in the website, so they may have stopped producing it, but similar models still exist.

• The brush head should be small: it allows you to maneuver it better in your mouth so you are more likely to reach all surfaces of your teeth.
• The bristles should be soft: it actually brushes your teeth better (according to my hygienist). I used to use medium to hard bristles because the stimulation in my mouth felt better, but you can get used to the soft kind pretty quickly. With an electric brush, it's plenty stimulating anyway.
• The chargeable unit eliminates hassles: I guess it's not a requirement, but it IS convenient.

I use Crest Dual-action Whitening toothpaste. With toothpaste applied on the brush head, I turn the brush on in my mouth. I run the brush on each tooth briefly. I don't have to spend more time on each tooth than a few seconds, but I make sure that the outside bristles get into between the teeth as deep as possible by orienting the brush appropriately. It takes me about 3 minutes usually. The brush has a 2-minute timer (it vibrates intermittently for a second at the 2-minute mark), so I know if I'm on a right pace.

The visits to the dentist have been much more pleasant as my hygienist now commends me for my excellent oral hygiene. I only brush once a day in the morning and I swish with Listerine before I go to bed at night. I don't normally floss, but my hygienist doesn't even nag me about flossing anymore. I would like to think that the use of the electric brush is as effective as using the floss.

I've been lucky with oral health as I have never had a cavity in my life. I didn't go to the dentist for 7 years until a few years ago, but I only had the mild case of gingivitis which cured right after the visit to Dr. Whaley in Vincennes. With the electric brush, Plax and Listerine, my teeth now are whiter and healthier than ever. People actually comment on them! I definitely recommend my oral care method to anybody.