A Dental Office’s Guide to Electric Toothbrush Benefits and Proper Techniques
- Bruno Gressi
- Oct 13, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 19

At By The Lake Dental, our dental team and dentists understand that maintaining good oral hygiene is essential. While manual toothbrushes have been a staple for generations, the benefits of going electric are becoming increasingly clear, offering superior plaque reduction and gingivitis prevention.
The Benefits of Going Electric
When using a manual toothbrush, we typically manage about three hundred strokes per minute. In contrast, Electric toothbrushes are capable of thousands, if not tens of thousands, of strokes in the same timeframe. Their superior effectiveness in reducing plaque buildup and gingivitis make electric toothbrushes significantly more effective at promoting oral health.
Here are some groups that can particularly benefit from using electric toothbrushes:
Individuals with Limited Mobility: Electric toothbrushes require less manual effort and dexterity, making them ideal for those with physical limitations.
Young Children: Children who are still developing their brushing techniques may find electric toothbrushes more engaging, making it easier for parents to instill good oral care habits. Nevertheless, our children’s dentists highlight that it's important to select the appropriate device based on the child's age.
People with Braces: Electric toothbrushes effectively clean around braces and reach challenging spots with their smaller brush heads.
Those with Tartar Buildup: If you've been advised by your dentist about excessive tartar, an electric toothbrush can help improve your brushing technique and maintain better oral health.
Using Your Electric Toothbrush Effectively
Proper technique ensures you get the most benefit from your electric toothbrush. Follow these steps for optimal cleaning:
Right Amount of Toothpaste: Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and ensure the brush is inside your mouth before turning it on to avoid toothpaste mishaps.
Angle Matters: Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle against your gumline to clean effectively.
Gentle Guidance: Instead of pressing hard or scrubbing back and forth, Let the brush do the work. Gently guide the brush head along the curve of your teeth and gums. Spend a few seconds on each tooth before moving on.
Cover All Areas: Divide your mouth into four sections - the front, back, chewing surfaces, and behind your back teeth. Ensure thorough cleaning of each area.
Don't Forget Your Gums: Take a few seconds to brush along your gum line and on your gums gently, without applying too much pressure to avoid irritation.
Freshen Your Breath: Finish up by cleaning your tongue and the roof of your mouth, removing any lingering food particles.
Remember, proper brushing is just one part of a comprehensive oral hygiene routine. Don't forget to floss daily and book your regular hygiene visits at our dental clinic every 4-6 months. By incorporating these practices, you can enjoy a clean, healthy and nice smile!

Other Devices that can Enhance Your Oral Health
In addition to electric toothbrushes, the dental industry has been developing more modern ways to help patients improve their home care through technological devices such as the WaterPik system. Daily flossing is crucial for maintaining your oral health, and the WaterPik system can reach places in your mouth that regular flossing cannot. We highly recommend the WaterPik system because it is twice as effective as traditional flossing and provides the best results. Ideally, you should floss or use the WaterPik two times a day, before brushing. If you are interested in the WaterPik, it's available for purchase.
Ask our dental team for recommendations on the best devices for you.
Ready to upgrade your oral hygiene routine? Contact By The Lake Dental, your favourite dental office in Ajax and Scarborough. Book your appointment today! Our dentists and dental team are here to help you maintain a clean, healthy smile with expert guidance and modern tools.
Why choose By The Lake Dental:
✅ +10 years caring for our community’s oral health needs
✅ A Platinum+ Invisalign dental office
✅ Direct billing to benefit provider
✅ Cutting-edge technology
✅ Full service family care
✅ Concierge experience
𝗪𝗲'𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗣𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦
Call us today: Ajax 905-428-2111, Highland Creek 416-284-8282.