Why might dental hygiene still be compromised despite brushing and flossing twice daily? This results
from you
continuing to use your worn-out, outdated toothbrush! Using the same toothbrush for several months
may harm your teeth.
Learn the right time to get a new toothbrush with this guide from Spalsh Dental.
As children, we are taught to wash our teeth twice daily, and many continue to follow this practice.
However, we needed
to know when to swap out our reliable old toothbrushes.
We often overlook the need to care for our dental hygiene items. Regularly changing your toothbrush
is more than just a
good practice. It's essential for maintaining optimal oral health. Prolonged use of a single
toothbrush can damage teeth
and the principles of good dental hygiene.
At Splash Dental, we often get asked why it's so important to change your toothbrush regularly. The answer is easy: fresh bristles are your best defence against plaque and the growth of harmful bacteria that can lead to cavities and gum disease. By changing your toothbrush regularly, you're not just preventing bad breath but taking a proactive step towards maintaining excellent oral health.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the gold standard for oral health, it's recommended to replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles start to fray. The following conditions require switching your toothbrushes.
Brushing teeth leads to bacteria and plaque buildup on toothbrushes, similar to transferring dirt to a sponge. More prolonged use increases bacteria's presence.
After a cold, flu, or viral infection, change your toothbrush to prevent cross-contamination and reinfection, as viruses and bacteria can remain in the bristles.
If your toothbrush's bristles seem frayed or worn, it's time to replace them. Worn bristles may not sufficiently clean teeth and gums, making gum disease and tooth decay more likely.
If the smell coming from your toothbrush is offensive, it can be home to germs. The smell of a clean toothbrush should be negligible.
If the bristles seem stained or discoloured, it's time for a new toothbrush. Discoloration may be a sign of bacteria.
You may need a new toothbrush in less than three months. You'll likely notice your bristles wearing out before three months if you brush too vigorously. Replace your toothbrush with a sign of wear or the bristles pointed incorrectly.
Electric toothbrushes are battery-operated devices with rotating brush heads. Most devices allow for head replacement and are rechargeable. Although manual and electric brushes are equally efficient in removing plaque, the American Dental Association believes some people may benefit from powered choices.
You should change the head of an electric toothbrush every 12 weeks. Electric brushes sometimes have shorter bristles than manual toothbrushes, so this should be done more frequently. They thus need to be changed sooner since they wear out more quickly. If the bristles could be better, you could replace your brush head before the 12-week mark.
With a manual toothbrush, the user must push and move the brush. Manual brushes are among the least expensive alternatives and are simple to replace after three months. Different handle designs are available for other models to fit in your palm conveniently.
At Splash Dental, we recommend replacing a manual toothbrush every three to four months. After a certain amount of use, the bristles on your brush will fray and wear down, reducing their ability to remove plaque. When there is an excess of plaque and food particles left in your mouth, your risk of cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay rises.
Although changing your toothbrush regularly is vital, this isn't the only crucial toothbrush care
advice. By keeping
your toothbrush upright, you may let it air dry in between uses, which inhibits the growth of
bacteria. To prevent
cross-contamination, clean your toothbrush thoroughly after each use and forgo sharing it with
anybody else. If you're
concerned about bacterial development, immerse your toothbrush in a hydrogen peroxide solution or
antibacterial
mouthwash.
Lastly, avoid keeping your toothbrush beside the toilet since the airborne particles released during
a flush might
contaminate it. This is another reason to replace your toothbrush regularly and sometimes immerse it
in hydrogen
peroxide or antibacterial mouthwash. Closing the toilet cover when you flush is also a good idea.
If you see that the bristles on your toothbrush are frayed or worn out before the recommended three
to four months, you
don't need to use much pressure to clean your teeth. Visit Splash Dental if there are any symptoms
of tooth abrasion or
if your toothbrush is often fraying, and make a deliberate effort to brush a little more gently.
Over time, the toothbrush bristles lose their rigidity and twist and flex irregularly. This arises from the interaction of water, toothpaste, and the brushing motion applied to the brush during cleaning teeth. We refer to it as bristle flaring. This state makes it impossible for the toothbrush to perform at its best. It has an impact on how well food particles and germs are removed. Dentists at Splash Dental advise replacing toothbrushes every three to four months to reduce the danger of developing certain oral diseases.
A toothbrush is essential for maintaining oral health, preventing bacterial buildup, and promoting a
beautiful smile.
Regular brushing and dental checkups from Splash Dental can help prevent future issues and maintain
good breath. By
staying informed about your oral health through regular checkups, you can take control and make
informed decisions about
your dental care.
Splash Dental, located in Pickering, ON, offers a wide range of dental care services for the entire
family, including
children. Our services include preventive, cosmetic, and regular dental care. Our dentists are
extensively trained and
equipped with the latest instruments and technology to provide gentle and efficient dental care. For
the best dental
treatment available, call (905) 831-0301 or visit https://www.splashdental.ca/book-an-appointment/.
Or better yet, stop
by our office today at 1101 Kingston Road, Unit 110, Pickering, ON L1V 1B5.
