Unfortunately, no toothbrush lasts a lifetime. When did you last change your toothbrush? How can you know when to change your preferred toothbrush? There are other aspects to consider, which we shall go over in detail. Failure to replace a toothbrush or electronic toothbrush head regularly might harm your dental health and potentially transmit infection.
The ideal time to replace your toothbrush
Brushes should be changed every three to four months, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). It should be replaced, nevertheless, in specific circumstances, such as when the bristles start to become significantly ragged. Wear-and-tear on your toothbrush can make tooth brushing less effective and result in tooth decay.
Additional reasons to change your toothbrush
If you’ve been unwell, you should also replace your toothbrush. It’s a good idea to discard your old toothbrush and replace it with a new one because bacteria and viral diseases can spread. Purchasing new toothbrushes for children can also be enjoyable and encourage them to practice proper oral care. Your kids can look forward to brushing with the help of a variety of colorful and entertaining patterns.
You should also get a new toothbrush if someone else uses yours. By not doing so, there are high chances of the transmission of the germs from one sick person to another. Your dentist may suggest getting an electric toothbrush if you have particular dental issues or specific oral appliances, such as braces, to remove dental bacterial plaque effectively.
What happens if you don’t replace your toothbrush?
Not changing your toothbrush regularly makes brushing less effective at cleaning dirt buildup, which can cause gum disease, tooth decay, and other dental problems. Additionally, it might contain dangerous bacteria that endanger your health and smile.
Types of Toothbrush
Manual and electric toothbrushes are the two options to consider. Both choices might assist you in taking care of your teeth efficiently and effectively. Whatever alternative you choose, be sure it has the ADA Seal of Acceptance and soft bristles.
- Electric Toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes can be an excellent addition to your dental care arsenal. Several brands offer disposable heads that rotate or vibrate to remove plaque from the surfaces of teeth as well as gumline. Replacement of these disposable heads is possible as needed. Some electric toothbrushes even feature Bluetooth capabilities, enabling you to connect to a phone device and app that can monitor your brushing activity, tell you how effectively you are brushing, and give you advice on brushing tips. They also contain a two-minute timer and sensors that detect the amount of pressure applied to your teeth and gums.
- Manual Toothbrush. You can easily regulate how you brush your teeth with a manual toothbrush. Compared to electric toothbrushes, they are inexpensive, do not require charging, are easy to transport, and are virtually silent.
How Long Can a Toothbrush Be Used?
Since you use your toothbrush every day, they may need to be changed much earlier than the average 3-month lifespan of a toothbrush.
How Do You Take Care of Your Toothbrush?
It is critical to maintaining your toothbrush clean, regardless of the type. After each usage, the American Dental Association advises rinsing your toothbrush with water to remove any toothpaste and food crumbs that may still be on it. It’s also crucial to let the bristles of your toothbrush air dry in an area with plenty of airflows and an upright position. When you store your toothbrush in a dark or closed container, bacteria, and other microbes can thrive and accumulate on your toothbrush.
Family Oakville Dentists, Dentistry on Dunn advise that you change your toothbrush regularly. Additionally, don’t share your toothbrush with anyone, not even family members, as everyone has different oral bacteria.