How Often Should You Change Your Toothbrush?

Do you know when you last replaced your toothbrush? Most people throw out all expired foods, they restock on supplements, on vitamins, and replace beauty products whenever they are gone. But when referring to dental hygiene, this is simply something that does not happen. Replacing your toothbrush is definitely a necessity and you should always follow official dentist Canberra rules when you do so. Here is what you should know about the topic.

When Should You Change Your Toothbrush?

According to most dentists, it is recommended that you change the toothbrush you use every three months. Usually, a toothbrush goes through the normal wear and tear to become very effective without hurting teeth by removing plaque from gums and teeth. Several studies showed us that after 3 months, most bristles in toothbrushes lose their effectiveness and break down.

Another thing few people think about is that germs will hide inside your toothbrush and can easily build up inside toothbrush bristles. You have to replace your toothbrush after you had a cold. If you do not do this, you might end up with an infection, a reinfection.

Bacteria and fungus can develop inside bristles when not properly taken care of. When you use your toothbrush, always rinse it off. Then, dry it thoroughly to then store uncovered in a vertical position. You also want to keep the toothbrush away from other toothbrushes. If you travel, cover the head of the toothbrush so it is protected and you drastically reduce germ spread.

The basic rule of thumb here is that if you cannot remember how much time passed since you changed your toothbrush, there is a pretty good possibility you should replace it. Also, do pay attention to the head condition. If the bristles fan out, are worn out, or are frayed, change the toothbrush. The same can be said when you notice dark color changes.

Why Should You Change Your Toothbrush?

It should be enough to know that fungus and bacteria is accumulating on the toothbrush to want to save it. If this is not enough though, remember that there are several other risks involved and several uninviting issues when you do not replace the toothbrush. A risk is that gums will be damaged. Older toothbrushes are ineffective and cannot remove teeth plaque. This can lead to the appearance of gingivitis. If gingivitis is not treated, infections appear. As a result, your teeth might end up falling out.

Another thing that is unappealing is that you can easily get sick when you overuse your toothbrushes. The toothbrush can easily grow mold and you can end up ingesting some really unwanted particles when the storage spot is close to a toilet.

Buy A Good Toothbrush

The best thing you can do is to talk to your dentist at your next checkup or cleaning. Simply ask for some recommendations about what toothbrush you should buy. This is important because there can be differences between individuals. A toothbrush that is great for your friend might not be great for you.

If you are looking for some common suggestions, look for toothbrushes that have soft bristles. This is because hard bristles will damage your gums and teeth. The toothbrush you choose should have a suitable head size, one that touches around two teeth at a time. Also, choose a toothpaste that includes fluoride.

The last thing you should remember is that the electric toothbrush is a great option. It can improve your oral health way beyond what the manual option is capable of doing.