Frequently Asked Questions

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I cannot tell if I am brushing my back molars. How can I tell if I am brushing successfully?

The first thing to do is watch our Instructional DVD, which shows you how to use 30 Second Smile properly. This video will show you how easily the brushes completely reach the back molars with ease. The video on the Instructional DVD can also be viewed here.

Can 30 Second Smile cause gum recession?

No. Most people have some level of gingivitis which is the early stage of gum disease. Due to plaque irritation and infection of the gum tissue, swelling and inflammation may be present prior to using 30 Second Smile. When infected, the gum tissue often feels and appears to be red, spongy, or puffy. The amazing cleaning qualities of 30 Second Smile will penetrate under the gums and between the teeth much better. As a result, you may experience bleeding initially for several days… up to perhaps a week. After this time, the swelling will likely go down, and thus the gums will become pink, tight, and healthier. As gum inflammation is reduced, it reveals more of the tooth, which should not be confused with gum recession. This is gum restoration to better health.

Batteries - How often should I change them?

When you feel that the power of the brush is diminished to the point where it is not being effective, that is a good time to change your batteries.

Batteries do not seem to be taking a full charge?

If you know you have fully charged batteries, but you feel it still does not have adequate power - take the battery cap off, and look for the two metal contacts. Look for moisture, and dry it out thoroughly using a cottonball or Q- tip with isopropyl alcohol. If you see any build-up on the contact, you can clean them by scraping with a metal object, such as a tweezers. Then apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the contacts…this will help make them more resistant to moisture.

Can I use this brush with crowns and bridges?

There are two types of "bridges": fixed, and removable. A fixed partial denture is a "bridge" and is permanently cemented in the mouth to replace missing teeth; a removable partial denture is a "partial" and can be placed in and taken out.

Because it is retained by metal clasps around the teeth, our dental professional associates advice is for users is to remove the bridge before using 30 Second Smile, to prevent dislodging of the partial and to prevent the bristles from getting caught under the retention clasps, and coming out.

Aside from the obvious benefits of a multi-head design, what else is special about these heads?

• Smart bristle length variance: bristles that contact the gums are longer, and therefore more gentle, while shorter bristles that contact tooth surfaces ensure plaque and stain removal
• BrushHeads swivel, or 'float' on their anchoring pins, further reducing any chance of improper technique
• Automated Optimum Pressure. Using traditional single headed brushes, you may often wonder how much pressure you should be applying. Brushing too vigorously and / or with too much pressure can cause abrasion, and can also cause the gums to recede, exposing root surfaces. It also wears down the tooth structure. Using brushheads from 30 Second Smile, it is impossible to exert too much pressure or brush too vigorously, because the user is exerting ZERO force. The advanced, wrap-around head configuration provides automated, EQUALIZED gentle pressure on the inner and outer surfaces. The result: no chance of tooth or gum abrasion. The 'arms' of the brushhead flex, to provide the perfect pressure for both the front (thinner) teeth, as well as the molars. The resilient arms provide a pressure that is not too aggressive to cause abrasion. With all other brushes, the pressure applied by user can be too high.

Which brush head is right for me?

Kids should use the brush specifically designed for kids. First-time users should start with the Ultra Soft (red) brushes.

• Red bristles identify the Ultra Soft head…designed for 1st time users, and users with sensitive teeth and/or gums. These brushes should be used when you initially start using 30 Second Smile.
• Light-blue bristles identify the Soft heads - delivering less sensitive users a good cleaning while remaining gentle
• Extra Reach has an extra row of bristles, enabling users with gum recession (or larger teeth) to still clean the gumline. Users without recession report superior gum stimulation as a result of the extra row of bristles reaching higher on the gums.

Are the bristles soft?

Yes - in fact, our standard soft is softer than typical soft brushes found on other toothbrushes. We also have an Ultra Soft brush for people with very sensitive gums.

The plastic around the heads is bumping my teeth and gums… what am I doing wrong?

If this is happening, you are not using the brush correctly. “Bumping” is impossible if the brush is used as directed. Make sure you view the Instructional DVD, which shows precisely where the handle of the brush should be in relation to your mouth as the heads are guided around the natural arch of your teeth. When you are brushing your back teeth, the handle should be pointing straight into your mouth.