How to Change an Oral B Electric Toothbrush Head

Electric toothbrushes make a terrific contributor to personal wellness, especially if you’re looking for something to elevate your game. Most dentists recommend their patients use electric toothbrushes because they’re far more effective than manual brushing.

As one of the most popular toothbrush brands in the world, Oral B has an extensive selection of electric toothbrushes to choose from. If you’re dealing with your first Oral B model, learning how to change the toothbrush head is imperative.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to easily change your electric toothbrush head, how often you should replace them, and the different type of brush heads available.

Directions for Changing an Oral B Toothbrush Head

Changing the Oral B electric toothbrush head is relatively simple. Just make sure you have a replacement head readily available to put back onto the base unit.

Step 1: Wash and Dry Your Hands

Before you even start handling your new toothbrush head, wash and dry your hands. You should only touch your toothbrush with clean hands to avoid transferring germs to it.

Step 2: Press the “Quick Release” Switch

All Oral B models come with a special switch known as the “Quick Release” specifically designed to make swapping your toothbrush head easier than ever. Just press the blue or white switch and your old toothbrush head loosens from the base unit.

Step 3: Remove the Old Brush Head

Next, simply pull the old brush head off of the base of the electric toothbrush. The Quick Release valve should have already loosened the head from the unit. If it’s giving you some resistance, try pushing the button again and pulling a little harder.

Step 4: Replace the Brush Head

Now that your old toothbrush head has been removed and thrown out, you can put your new one on. Make sure that you line up the nodes at the bottom of the brush head with the sockets on the base of your toothbrush. Press the two together until you hear an audible snap.

Step 5: Test the New Brush Head

Next, you’re going to want to make sure that the brush head is working properly by powering on the unit. Be sure to pay close attention to whether the head is oscillating or turning properly and ensure that the vibrations from the toothbrush are frequent.

When Should I Change an Electric Toothbrush Head?

As one of the most common questions about electric toothbrushes, more people are wondering how often they should change their electric toothbrush heads. Although we’d all like to assume that you don’t have to change the head until the bristles are entirely worn down, that’s certainly not the case. There are plenty of reasons as to why you might want to consider switching out the heads.

• Every Three Months: First, you’re going to want to make sure that your toothbrush head is replaced every three months as recommended by most dental professionals. After three months, your toothbrush has undoubtedly accumulated enough bacteria and grime to the point where you won’t benefit from brushing with the same head.
• Bending of Bristles: If you notice the bristles on your brush head begin to bend or warp as a result of brushing, consider changing your brush head. The bristles are specifically designed to target all areas of your mouth. Once they’re warped, you’re not going to get as deep of a clean as when you first unboxed the electric toothbrush.
• Increased Sensitivity: The vast majority of Oral B electric toothbrushes come with different heads for different purposes. These options include whitening, sensitive brushing, and deep cleaning. If the brush head that you’re using makes your teeth feel sensitive and tingly, it’s time to switch it out and opt for a gentler one. It’s always recommended that you start by using the sensitive brush head that comes with your kit. Then think about upgrading to a deeper clean, if it’s necessary.

Different Types of Oral B Electric Toothbrush Heads

There are plenty of different types of Oral B electric toothbrush head, including:

• CrossAction: The CrossAction head helps to remove up to 300% more plaque that could be hidden along your gum line when compared to a manual toothbrush. It also features angled bristles that are specifically engineered to reach every crevice between your teeth.
• Precision Clean: If you’re the type of brusher who likes to work tooth-to-tooth, the Precision Clean brush head is the ideal model for you. It focuses on each individual tooth at a time.
• FlossAction: Although the FlossAction head doesn’t replace flossing in its entirety, it does help get a better interdental clean with the help of MicroPulse Bristles.
• ProWhite: To help remove more surface stains, the ProWhite brush head comes with a polishing cup in the center of the bristles that gently gets rid of stains from smoking, coffee, and eating highly pigmented foods.
• Sensitive Clean: Ideal for people with sensitive teeth, the Sensitive Clean brush head is useful for gently cleaning gums and teeth.
• Ortho Care: If you have braces, you’re going to love the Ortho Care brush head as the bristles are specifically designed to work around braces for a deeper clean.
• Tri Zone: If sensitive teeth aren’t a concern for you, you’ll love the Deep Sweep head. This version has three separate cleaning zones that target absolutely every area of your mouth for the most comprehensive clean possible.
• Dual Clean: With the combination of two brush heads on a single piece, all of the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth will be thoroughly cleansed.

Changing your brush heads is an essential part of oral hygiene. Every time you brush, microscopic bacteria and germs make their way into the bristles of the brush head. By regularly replacing the head of your electric toothbrush, you’ll always have the healthiest and deepest clean possible.