Do you know how long you’ve had your toothbrush? If it’s been a while, don’t worry. Most people keep their toothbrushes for far too long before replacing them with new ones. You might be wondering, “How often should I change my toothbrush?” The answer depends on a few factors, but we’ll get to that later. In the meantime, let’s look at why it’s so important to replace old brushes regularly.
You should change your toothbrush every three to four months.
A toothbrush is one of the most important tools in your arsenal when it comes to maintaining a healthy smile. However, this little tool can be pretty gross if you don’t take care of it properly. If you fail to properly clean your toothbrush and store it, bacteria can grow on its bristles while they’re still wet from use, which can cause cavities and gum disease.
Here are some tips for keeping your brush as clean as possible:
- Clean regularly with hot water (or an antibacterial rinse). This will help remove any debris or food particles leftover from brushing that might aggravate gums or contribute to dental decay.
- Make sure you store your toothbrush upright, so that water doesn’t gather in the handle where bacteria could breed.
- Replace every three to four months; recycled plastic bristles aren’t good for your mouth!
Buy a new brush after you’ve been sick.
A toothbrush can be a breeding ground for bacteria, and if you’re sick, your immune system is compromised. Therefore, it’s wise to buy a new one after you’ve been sick.
Look for frayed bristles.
You should also look for frayed bristles. If they’re a little more than just worn down, they can damage your gums and teeth. Frayed bristles don’t reach the places in your mouth that need cleaning, so you need to change them out as soon as you notice them. It’s easy to check if you’ve got a brush with frayed bristles: simply run your finger along a few of the longer ones and see if they feel rough or sharp.
In addition to wearing out, the bristles can harbor bacteria that can cause gum disease or other oral health issues. Plus, if you have an electric or sonic toothbrush that vibrates at high speeds when you use it, the vibration may break down the bristles faster than normal (though this isn’t a problem for manual brushes).
As well as being worn down by use over time, your toothbrush may also end up bent and misshapen after repeated bends in its lifespan—and this is problematic because bent bristles aren’t effective at cleaning your teeth as well as straight ones are.
If you have more questions about your dental health or how to brush your teeth for the best results, the team at Wright Parkway Dental is here to help. We take special care to get to know you and your needs, so we can recommend the best oral health practices to keep your smile healthy and happy!
