How Often Should My Toothbrush Be Replaced?

When Should You Replace Your Toothbrush?

When was the last time your toothbrush was replaced? We toss out old meals, resupply When was the last time your toothbrush was replaced? We toss out old meals, resupply vitamins, and supplements, and refresh our cosmetic products on a regular basis, but when it comes to health and beauty, our doesn't get the same kind of attention or thought. There are, however, some key regulations and guidelines to follow in order to maintain excellent dental health.

When Should You Replace Your Toothbrush?

The (ADA) and most dentists recommend changing your toothbrush every three months. Brushes lose their effectiveness at removing plaque from teeth and gums over time due to regular wear and tear. According to studies, the bristles break down and lose their potency after 3 months.

Another factor we don't usually consider (and definitely don't want to consider) is that bacteria can hide and accumulate in toothbrush bristles. Because of this, it's critical to replace your toothbrush after a cold to avoid reinfection. Another factor we don't usually consider (and definitely don't want to consider) is that bacteria can hide and accumulate in toothbrush bristles. Because of this, it's critical to replace your toothbrush after a cold to avoid reinfection.

If not properly cared for, can grow in the bristles. After each use, properly rinse and dry your toothbrush before storing it uncovered in an upright position away from other toothbrushes. When traveling, keep your toothbrush head covered to protect it and from spreading.

If you're not sure how long it's been, look at the state of your toothbrush head, especially if the bristles are worn out, fanned out, or frayed, or if you see dark color changes, which are an indication of mold.

What Happens If I Don't Replace My Toothbrush On A Regular Basis?

If the fact that bacteria and fungi grow on your toothbrush bristles overtime isn't enough to convince you to change your toothbrush more frequently, there are a slew of other hazards and unpleasant consequences to consider. One concern is that your will be damaged as outdated toothbrushes become ineffective at eliminating plaque from your teeth, resulting in gingivitis. Gingivitis, if left untreated, can lead to infection, which can lead to tooth loss.

Even more undesirable, overused toothbrushes can get you sick (see: bacteria and fungal buildup), your toothbrush can mold, and, perhaps most unappealing of all, you can eat unwelcome particles if stored near a toilet. I don't know about you, but I'm going to change my toothbrush right now and make an appointment with my dentist for deep cleaning.

What to Look for When Buying

During your next dental checkup and cleaning, ask your dentist for recommendations on what you should buy depending on your specific needs, dental health, and other factors.

Look for toothbrushes with soft bristles, as hard bristles can harm your teeth and gums; choose a toothbrush head size that only brushes one or two teeth at a time; use a toothpaste containing fluoride that has been approved by the American Dental Association; considers using mouthwash to help fight plaque and ; and doesn't forget the floss!

Consider purchasing an electric , which has been shown to improve oral health beyond that of a manual toothbrush by removing plaque, lowering gingivitis, and removing tooth stains. They've also been found to help persons with reduce the amount of plaque on their teeth. Investigate which products are best suited to your needs, and don't forget to seek advice from your dentist.