There are few things more important than ensuring that your teeth and overall oral health are in tip-top shape. As you know, poor oral health can lead to very serious issues that may start in the mouth, but they can also spread to the rest of the body. That being said, basic oral hygiene, such as brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash can go a long way in preventing such complications from ever occurring. Those who brush every day are doing their bodies a great service, however, you may not be doing as much good as you think if you never change your toothbrush. Continue reading and speak with our New Jersey dental team to learn more about why you should never use an old toothbrush. Here are some of the questions you may have:
How do I know when it’s time to replace my old toothbrush?
There are various tell-tale signs that it is time to replace your toothbrush, though, for starters, we can tell you that the American Dental Association states that it is best to change your toothbrush at least every three months. As you may have realized, the more you use a toothbrush, the less effective it can be. Bristles wear down, become frayed, and otherwise do not clean the teeth as they did when they were new. Further, germs, bacteria, and fungus build up on your toothbrush as the weeks and months go by, which is another reason to replace your toothbrush. Finally, it is a good rule of thumb to simply change your toothbrush every time you overcome a sickness.
What happens when I never change my toothbrush?
When you continue to use a toothbrush that needs replacing, you increase your chances of developing tooth decay, which leads to several other problems such as gingivitis or even periodontitis, as the bristles no longer scrape away plaque as they once did. Also, if you do not change your toothbrush after three months, you may increase the risk of you developing a sickness from the bacteria or fungus growing on the brush. Why risk any of this when you can simply buy another toothbrush every three months? You shouldn’t. However, if you do have any additional questions about your oral health or you are looking to schedule a cleaning, please do not hesitate to give us a call today. We are always here to help.
Contact the Dental Associates of Basking Ridge
Dental Associates of Basking Ridge is a compassionate, gentle, and professional state-of-the-art dental practice serving Basking Ridge, Morris & Somerset County. Our office is always ready to greet our patients with a smile, take the time to answer any questions, and provide the quality dental services our patients expect. Please contact us to schedule an appointment. We look forward to serving you!
