How Often Should You Change Your Toothbrush?
If you brush your teeth twice a day and floss once daily, you’re practicing good daily dental care. However, many people tend to overlook the importance of replacing old toothbrushes regularly. A worn-out toothbrush can be ineffective in removing plaque and bacteria from your mouth, leading to a host of dental issues.
Your toothbrush is not meant to last forever, which is why dentists recommend changing your toothbrush every 3 months. Keep your family’s toothbrushes fresh and make regular dentist visits part of your routine.
Why Should You Change Your Toothbrush?
Over time, toothbrushes accumulate bacteria, food particles, and plaque, which can cause them to become less effective in cleaning your teeth and gums. Not only that, but the bacteria can also contaminate your mouth and lead to infections or illnesses.
Your toothbrush bristles can wear out over time, and when they do, they become less efficient in removing plaque from your teeth. Additionally, using toothbrushes with frayed or splayed bristles can further damage your teeth and gums, causing more harm than good.
Signs You Should Change Your Toothbrush
While experts recommend changing your toothbrush every 3 months, you shouldn’t hold onto a brush that’s not working for you.
Here are some signs that it’s time to ditch your toothbrush and get a new one:
Worn-out bristles: Over time, bristles lose their elasticity, making them less effective in removing plaque and stimulating the gums. Replace your toothbrush if the bristles appear to be discoloured or frayed.
Illness: Germs can linger on the bristles of your toothbrush, causing you to re-infect yourself or pass on the germs to others. Switch to a new toothbrush after an illness and toss your old toothbrush out.
Infrequent usage: If you have a toothbrush you rarely use, such as for travel, it's easy to forget when you last replaced it. Toothbrushes that aren't used regularly can still accumulate bacteria, even if stored in a clean and dry place. If you're not sure when you last replaced your toothbrush, it may be best to toss it and start fresh.
Food particles: If you notice food particles stuck in your toothbrush after brushing, it's a sign that the bristles are not cleaning your teeth effectively. Over time, debris and bacteria can accumulate on the bristles, leading to bad breath and other oral health issues.
General wear and tear: If your toothbrush has cracks in the head or handle, it may no longer be effective at cleaning plaque.
Choosing the Right Toothbrush
Good oral care starts with choosing the right toothbrush for you.
The bristles are the most essential part of any toothbrush. They come in soft, medium, and hard bristles, but the Canadian Dental Association recommends soft bristles as they are gentle on your gums. Opt for round-ended bristles as they are less abrasive than flat-ended bristles and can clean better between teeth. Choose a size and shape that allows you to reach your back teeth.
As for children, brushes with smaller heads and softer bristles can accommodate their smaller mouths.
Manual vs. Electric Toothbrush
Manual toothbrushes are the traditional form of toothbrush and have been a popular choice among people of all ages for decades. A manual toothbrush is easy to handle, economical, and readily available.
You can choose soft bristles for your manual toothbrush, making them suitable for people with sensitive teeth or gums. However, manual toothbrushes require more physical effort, and one study found people were more likely to brush too hard with a manual brush.
Manual toothbrushes are often less expensive than electric toothbrushes. They’re easy to handle, don’t require charging, and are available in different sizes and colours.
Electric toothbrushes, on the other hand, are a recent addition to the market. They can remove plaque more effectively than manual toothbrushes while being gentle on gums when used properly. Electric toothbrushes can be great tools for people with disabilities or who have difficulty holding a toothbrush.
Moreover, they come with various features such as timers, pressure sensors, and different modes that can make it easy to personalize your brushing experience or make brushing fun for kids. You typically only have to replace the head every 3 months, rather than the entire unit (handle and all). Electric toothbrushes can be more expensive than manual toothbrushes, and they require charging.
Caring for Your Toothbrush
A good toothbrush should last the entire 3 months until you need to replace it. Along the way, there are some steps you can take to care for your toothbrush:
Never share your toothbrush with anyone and store multiple toothbrushes so their heads don’t touch to avoid cross-contamination.
Rinse your toothbrush with water after every use.
Store toothbrushes in a vertical position to air dry.
Keep your toothbrush away from the toilet, as flushing the toilet can cause bacteria to lift into the air.
Let your toothbrush air dry before storing it in a case or container to avoid mould and bacterial growth. Clean your case every 2 weeks.
Refresh Your Smile with a New Toothbrush
A clean toothbrush with good bristles is the cornerstone of your oral hygiene routine, and good oral hygiene can lead to a healthy life. While you’re brushing 2 times a day, take a moment to consider how long you’ve had your toothbrush. If it’s been more than 3 months, or if the bristles are starting to fray, it’s time to start fresh!
Shine Dental can help you keep on top of good oral hygiene habits with comprehensive dental exams and cleanings for the whole family. We want you to feel comfortable showing the world your smile. Book your cleaning today.