Most people take their dental care seriously by brushing their teeth daily. It is very recommendable. However, the thought of replacing the toothbrushes rarely crosses their mind. We constantly focus on getting rid of the bacteria in our teeth and forget the important part, the germs left on the toothbrush. Brushes are not meant to last forever. Over time, they go through wear and tear. Knowing when and how often to change toothbrush will improve your dental hygiene significantly.
How Often to Change Toothbrush
Dentists recommend you brush your teeth at least two times a day. While you are busy observing oral hygiene, the toothbrush undergoes wear and tear. How do you know it is time to throw the old or tattered toothbrush away? Doctors and toothbrush manufacturers advise clients to change toothbrush every 12 to 16 weeks to avoid bacteria build-up. It also helps you maintain a consistent optimal oral hygiene standard. Other circ*mstances that may force you to replace toothbrush sooner include if the bristles have become soft, someone else has mistakenly used your toothbrush, or if it falls in the garbage. Also, if one family member suffers from a bacterial infection, it is wise to replace everyone’s toothbrush to prevent the spread. If you can’t recall the last time you replaced your toothbrush, it is time you do so.
Why is it Important to Change Your Toothbrush Every 3 Months?
A toothbrush can only function efficiently if it is in good condition. Changing your toothbrush more often will help you prevent oral-related bacterial and fungal infections. Over time, the brush bristles become uneven due to the friction and pressure of brushing the teeth. The rutted bristles scrape away gum tissues causing the enamel to wear out. This makes the mouth vulnerable to harmful micro-organisms and infections. Changing your toothbrush regularly will protect your enamel and gum tissues.
New brushes will effectively remove any plaque build-up, food, and bacterial that may have collected. This protects you from bad breath and cavities.
How Often Should You Change Your Toothbrush Head?
For Electric Toothbrush Users
The toothbrush head is prone to damages. Medical practitioners encourage patients to replace toothbrush heads every 3 months or sooner if they notice it is not serving them effectively.
Electric heads tend to wear and tear faster than manual toothbrush heads due to the quick spinning motions during the cleaning process. Therefore, it would be best if you used an electric toothbrush for a maximum of 12 weeks.
What Happens if You Don’t Change Your Toothbrush?
The toothbrush bristles tend to lose their stiffness over time, causing them to twist and bend uncontrollably. This situation results from the combination of water, toothpaste and brushing motion subjected to the brush during the dental cleaning process. It is commonly known as bristle flaring. This condition prevents the toothbrush from functioning optimally. It affects its ability to remove food particles and bacteria effectively. These can lead to tooth decay, cavities, bad breath, and gum diseases. Dentists recommend we replace toothbrush every 3 to 4 months will minimize the risks of these dental conditions.
How Often Should I Change My Toothbrush with Braces?
Brushing teeth with braces requires more attentiveness and patience. It is recommended to brush your teeth at least twice a day, but if possible, you should brush the teeth or rinse your mouth with water after every meal to remove particles hidden under the wires. It would be best to use an electrical or soft bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to avoid tooth decay.
With the braces, it is recommendable to change toothbrush after every 3 months or sooner. One of the common warning signs that you need to replace toothbrush sooner is worn-out bristles.
To maintain optimal dental care hygiene with bracelets, ensure you carefully and thoroughly clean all parts such as the chewing surfaces, back, front, and sides of the teeth to prevent bacterial build-up and infections.
Don’t Forget to Maintain Routine Dental Checkups
A toothbrush is a crucial tool when it comes to oral health. Combined with toothpaste, it helps us possess a beautiful smile and enjoy pleasant good breath by preventing bacterial build-up. For optimal oral care levels, ensure you brush your teeth at least twice a day and remember to change toothbrush every 12 to 16 weeks. Also, remember to go for regular dental checkups from a reputable dental clinic. This will help you prevent future dental issues as the dentist can spot concerns that may lead to future problems.
If you are looking for a dental clinic near you, Sol Dental has got you covered. We offer an array of dental care services for children and the whole family. Our services include routine checkups, preventative and cosmetic dentistry. Our dentists are highly trained and equipped with the latest tools and equipment to provide compassionate and effective dental care. Sol Dental also offers emergency dental services. Call us today or visit our clinic to receive top-of-the-line dental care.
