How Often Should You Change Your Toothbrush
How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?
Whatever the type of toothbrush you use to clean your teeth, it will become worn and lose its effectiveness as the bristles are damaged by use. This can reduce the amount of plaque that is removed by the toothbrush, impacting your oral hygiene.
To avoid this, you need to replace your toothbrush every 3 or 4 months, or sooner if you notice the bristles becoming frayed.
When Should You Change a Manual Toothbrush?
An ordinary toothbrush should last up to 4 months. However, it may get worn out and frayed before then, reducing its effectiveness at cleaning your teeth. If you notice any signs of wear on your toothbrush, you should replace it.
How often should you change an electric toothbrush head?
Electric toothbrush heads usually have shorter and softer bristles. Because of this, they tend to wear out faster than a manual toothbrush. They can last around 3 months or less. Again, you should replace them sooner if you notice frayed or worn bristles.
What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Toothbrush?
Besides becoming worn and frayed, bristles will also splay outward, losing their original shape. All of these factors contribute to the brush becoming less effective at removing plaque. If plaque is not removed effectively from your mouth, it can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Furthermore, any bacteria and viruses in your household can be transferred to your toothbrush over time.
How to Properly Care For Your Toothbrush?
It is important to keep your toothbrush clean when you are not using it. To keep your toothbrush hygienic, make sure you thoroughly rinse it with tap water after each use to remove residue and germs. However, don’t wash it with a disinfectant, mouthwash, or hot water. This can cause the spread of germs rather than prevent them.
Additionally, you should never share your toothbrush with anyone else. Everyone has different bacteria in their mouth, and sharing a toothbrush can spread viral and bacterial infections.
What’s the Right Way to Store Your Toothbrush
The way that you store your toothbrush can contribute to the development of bacterial and viral growth in the bristles.
Take the following precautions to reduce the risk of this:
- Don’t share it with other people
- Don’t store it where it can touch other people’s toothbrushes
- Thoroughly rinse it after each use to remove residue and germs
- Don’t store it in an enclosed container, which can encourage mold and bacteria growth
In addition, while your bathroom may be the most convenient place to store your toothbrush, it is often not the most hygienic, especially if your bathroom remains humid for some time after you shower.
Should Children Change Their Toothbrush More Often Than Adults?
Yes. Children’s toothbrushes usually have softer bristles than an adult’s, to avoid irritating their more sensitive gums. Softer bristles can become worn and splayed more quickly. On top of this, young children can be prone to chewing on their toothbrushes and are also more likely to let their toothbrushes make contact with surfaces in the bathroom that may have bacteria on them.
To ensure that your kids are using a sanitary toothbrush, it should be replaced more often, at least as frequently as every 3 months. If you notice any signs of wear or chewing, replace it sooner. It is a good idea to supervise your kids when they brush their teeth to make sure they don’t chew the toothbrush or let it touch bathroom surfaces.
Brushing your teeth is only one part of a healthy oral hygiene routine. Regular dental check-ups are vital to keep your mouth and gums clean and spot any early signs of tooth decay or gum disease before they progress. Get in touch with us today to book a dental check-up at our Summerlin dental care clinic.
