How to Decide When to Change Your Toothbrush?

It’s easy to decide when to replace your faded clothes or worn-out shoes. However, this isn’t the case for toothbrushes. How to determine when to change your toothbrush? Well, it depends on your health, usage, and preferences. So, before you brush your teeth again, ask yourself, “is it time for a new toothbrush?” let’s find out what the dentist in Sugar Land, TX says:

When to Change Your Toothbrush

You should replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Moreover, you should consider changing your toothbrush sooner if you are sick or your brush is stored close to other toothbrushes. One way to know if your brush needs replacement is to look at the bristles. Frayed bristles don’t clean teeth thoroughly. If you don’t brush gently rather rigorously, you may need to change your toothbrush more often.

Types of Toothbrushes

There are mainly two types of toothbrushes. These are manual toothbrushes and electric toothbrushes. You can choose either of two depending on what makes you feel comfortable and helps you clean your teeth regularly.

A manual toothbrush is often preferred because it is portable, makes no noise, and ready to use whenever you require it. With this type of toothbrush, you have complete control over the pressure it exerts on your teeth and gums.

On the other hand, an electric toothbrush needs to charge first before using it. But it usually offers the rotating movement of the bristles, which helps you clean between teeth and at the gum line. Pressing the button on old electric toothbrushes was troublesome for some people. But nowadays, many electric toothbrushes have built-in sensors that can help you brush long enough.

Replace your toothbrush after you have been sick

Using the same toothbrush that you had when you were sick can invite the illness again. Throw your toothbrush away if you have any type of virus or infection, like a cold sore. Furthermore, it is essential to note that never use disinfectants to remove germs. You should also avoid putting your toothbrush in a microwave or dishwater. So, to stay healthy, you should replace your toothbrush after being sick.

Risk factors for using a toothbrush beyond its recommended lifespan

With every use, your toothbrush’s bristles get exposed to water and chemicals present in your toothpaste. This can weaken the bristles of your toothbrush. Your brush will likely bend and twist, which is known as bristle flaring.

According to the National Institute of Health’s study, 40 days of regular use of your toothbrush can likely cause bristle flaring. This, in turn, makes your toothbrush less effective. If you don’t change your toothbrush, you may experience plaque buildup.

As a rule of thumb, the older your toothbrush gets, the less effective in removing plaque it becomes –which is the cause of tooth decay and gum disease.

Takeaway

Your toothbrush plays a crucial role in your oral hygiene routine. To maintain your toothbrush and your oral health, use your personal toothbrush and store it upright. Make sure you replace your toothbrush after using it for 3 to 4 months. One way to decide on a toothbrush replacement is bristled flaring. You can also mark your calendar on the date you bought it. This will help you determine the time to replace your toothbrush again.

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