One of the great inventions of dentistry is the electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes allow for longer and more thorough toothbrushes, getting rid of plaque and tartar that a regular toothbrush just can't get rid of. If you have recently switched to an electric toothbrush on the advice of your dentist, you should know that there are a few things you should do to keep your electric toothbrush properly maintained. 

Use The Right Pressure

When you use an electric toothbrush, you don't need to use as much pressure as when you are using a standard non-electric toothbrush. This is due to the fact that your electric toothbrush is motorized and produces a much stronger stroke. If you apply too much pressure, you can cause enamel damage, hurt your gums as well as bend and distort the bristles of your brush, meaning that you have to change out the brush head more often than if you were to apply the right amount of pressure.

Properly Sanitize

Your electric toothbrush needs to be sanitized regularly to avoid the build-up of saliva and germs. Make sure, after every use, that you rinse out the brush head and then store it upright in a position where it can dry off between uses. You should be deep sanitizing your brush head once a month, as well. You can easily do this by keeping your brush head in an anti-septic mouthwash bath overnight. Then, rinse it off and let it dry. You should also be cleaning the body of your brush monthly. Use a concentration of bleach and water and gently wipe all around the handle. Make sure that you don't submerge this part, as it will ruin the electrical components.

Change The Heads Properly

Your toothbrush, in order to do it's best work, should have it's brush heads changed over time. You should keep an eye out for wear and when you notice the brush head wearing down, change it out. Signs of wear include bent and broken bristles, missing patches of bristles, or bristles that have matted together. In addition, you should change out your brush head after every illness in order to avoid any sort of further infection.

If you have a new electric toothbrush, follow these maintenance tips to keep your electric toothbrush running properly. Your electric toothbrush will then do a great job keeping your teeth cleaned in-between your annual dental visits.