Using a Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

Electric Toothbrushes

Using a Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

10 minute read

Last updated 06/2025

Dr. Robert Lee, a dental professional with 35 years of experience.

This blog has been reviewed and approved by Dr Robert Lee, a dental professional of 35 years

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  • Contents

  • Using Proper Electric Toothbrush Technique
  • How to Start Brushing Your Teeth
  • How Often Should You Brush Your Teeth?
  • Why Brush With An Electric Toothbrush?
  • Our Best Electric Toothbrush for You
  • Related Articles
  • FAQs

Summary

How you brush is just as important as what you brush with to get your perfect clean. Oral-B electric toothbrushes, like the Oral-B iO2 feature pressure sensors that help keep you from overbrushing as well as a dentist-inspired round brush head that perfectly adapts to each of your unique teeth.

A rechargeable electric toothbrush (also known as a “power” toothbrush) can help you do more to maintain the health of your teeth and gums. Many rechargeable toothbrushes use oscillating-rotating technology to provide better oral health results than regular manual toothbrushes. This brushing action is very different from that of regular manual toothbrushes, as it provides the movement, while you need only guide it to get your perfect clean.

For that reason, some people may find brushing with an electric toothbrush easier once they learn how to do it properly. Just remember that the key to brushing well with an electric toothbrush is to guide the brush head to all parts of your mouth.

Using Proper Electric Toothbrush Technique

When using a rechargeable electric toothbrush, it isn't necessary to press hard or scrub. Simply guide the brush while it provides the brushing action. In fact, some Oral-B electric toothbrushes have pressure sensors that alert you when you’re brushing too hard.

Step 1: Make sure your toothbrush is charged. Many electric toothbrushes have charge level indicator lights, so you can actually see when the toothbrush is charged.
Step 2: Start with the outside surfaces of the teeth. Guide the brush head slowly from tooth to tooth, holding the brush head in place for a few seconds against each tooth before moving on to the next one. Follow along with the shape of each tooth and the curve of the gums.
Step 3: Repeat Step 2 on the inside surfaces of the teeth.
Step 4: Repeat Step 2 on the chewing surfaces of the teeth as well as behind the back teeth. Step 5: Direct the brush head along the gum line and upon the gums. Again, do not press hard or scrub.
Step 6: Try grazing the brush head along your tongue and the roof of your mouth, back to front, to help freshen your breath.

With proper brushing technique with a rechargeable electric toothbrush, a little practice every day will help make it feel like second nature. Before you know it, you’ll be brushing with confidence knowing you’re using the clinically proven technology of a rechargeable electric toothbrush to clean your teeth.

How to Start Brushing Your Teeth

Before you begin brushing, be sure to ask your dental professional for recommendations on technique. It also might be helpful to refer to the brushing instructions supplied with your electric toothbrush.

To start, apply a  fluoride toothpaste to the brush head (and by the way, remember to replace the brush head on your power toothbrush every three months).

How Often Should You Brush Your Teeth?

To brush your teeth correctly, spend at least two minutes using a recommended technique, which includes 30 seconds brushing each section of your mouth (upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left), both morning and night. Most Oral-B rechargeable electric toothbrushes have built-in two-minute timers, and some even have professional timers that parse out 30 seconds for each quadrant to help you keep track.

Why Brush With An Electric Toothbrush?

Not only do electric toothbrushes provide the cleaning action for you, but they can also help deliver 100% cleaner teeth and healthier gums than a regular manual toothbrush. More benefits of an electric toothbrush include preventing bad breath, gum diseases,cavities and removing more plaque bacteria when compared to a manual toothbrush.

Our Best Electric Toothbrush for You

When looking to buy an electric toothbrush, it’s best to choose one that meets your personal preferences and comfort levels. In addition to your unique oral care needs, consider looking at ADA accepted and recognized electric toothbrushes that come with additional features such as multiple cleaning modes and pressure sensors like the Oral-B iO2. Plus, it’s noticeably quieter than some other electric toothbrushes and it comes with Super Sensitive mode for a gentler clean on gums.

Other Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes, like the Oral-B iO10, feature Bluetooth connectivity, and real-time feedback to help improve your brushing habits.

With the latest brushing technology, the best electric toothbrush for you can help deliver a more personalized clean. From sensitivity and gum care to fresh breath and whitening, there’s sure to be an Oral-B electric toothbrush that can meet your oral care needs.

From Oral-B, the #1 toothbrush brand used by dentists worldwide.

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FAQs

Should I turn the brush on before putting it in my mouth?

It is best to place the brush head against your teeth before turning the power on to prevent toothpaste from splattering. This ensures the fluoride paste stays on the bristles where it can effectively clean your teeth.

Can I use an electric toothbrush if I have sensitive teeth?

Many oscillating rotating electric toothbrushes include settings designed for a gentler clean on sensitive teeth and gums. Built in pressure sensors help support effective cleaning without excessive force.

Should you leave your electric toothbrush on the charger all the time?

Most modern rechargeable toothbrushes are designed to stay on the charger to ensure they are always ready for your next two-minute session. You can check your specific model for a charge level indicator light to monitor its power status.

Are you supposed to brush back and forth with an electric toothbrush?

You do not need to scrub or use a back-and-forth motion because the brush provides the cleaning action for you. Simply guide the round brush head slowly from tooth to tooth and allow it to follow the natural curve of your gums.

Are you supposed to brush your tongue with an electric toothbrush?

Yes—you should clean your tongue. After brushing your teeth, move the brush head from back to front along your tongue to remove bacteria and help freshen your breath.