Over the years, you have heard your dentist and family members telling you that you need to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. But they probably have not advised you as to when you need to change your toothbrush. Using the same toothbrush for too long could render it ineffective and might even result in more harm than good. For more information on this subject, please read on, then contact one of our experienced general dentistry dentists located in Basking Ridge and Morristown, NJ today.
When should you change your manual toothbrush?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you should replace a manual toothbrush every three to four months. Using the same toothbrush for much longer than that will cause the bristles to become frayed and worn, at which they become less effective at clearing away plaque. Your risk of tooth decay and gum disease increases when too much plaque and food debris linger in your mouth.
When should you change the head of your electric toothbrush?
Generally, one should replace the head of one’s electric toothbrush every twelve weeks. Because electric brushes often have shorter bristles, you should do this more often than for a manual toothbrush. For this very reason, electric toothbrushes tend to become worn down more rapidly and require replacement sooner. If you notice that the bristles do not appear to be in the best shape, you might even want to switch out your brush head earlier than twelve weeks.
How do you make your toothbrush last longer?
Follow these tips to ensure that your toothbrush remains in good condition for as long as possible:
- Do not keep your toothbrush in a place where it could come into contact with the head of another toothbrush, because this makes it all too easy for germs to spread to everyone in a household.
- Always rinse off your toothbrush after brushing your teeth.
- Do not store your toothbrush in a closed container, because this creates an ideal environment for bacteria and mold to grow.
- Never share your toothbrush, no matter how close you are to another person.
- Do not use mouthwash, soap or other disinfectants to clean your toothbrush.
It is crucial to maintain a good oral hygiene routine if you want to keep your mouth as healthy as possible. This includes using all of the correct dental tools, which, naturally, excludes an old, frayed toothbrush. Furthermore, you should make sure you are replacing your toothbrush and visiting your dentist for checkups and cleanings on a regular basis.
Speak with our team if you have any further questions or would like to schedule an appointment.
Contact The Dental Associates of Basking Ridge
Please contact us today to schedule an appointment if you have any dental issues.
