How long have you used your current soft-bristled toothbrush for? When should you know it’s time to replace your toothbrush? If you didn’t know before, regularly replacing your toothbrush is an important step of oral hygiene. This also goes for your child’s toothbrush. A toothbrush goes through a lot when you use it. A key dependency of this is how you brush your teeth. Your toothbrush can become worn out quickly if you brush teeth too hard. Following the right technique for brushing teeth is important to get more out of your toothbrush.
It can be difficult to determine when to replace your toothbrush, but there are certain reasons that will determine when to replace your toothbrush. Understanding these reasons will ensure you look after your toothbrush and your brushing technique because the quality of the bristles determine how clean your teeth are.
The Three Month Rule
Replacing your toothbrush every three months is what’s known as the three month rule. If you were to speak to your dentist, they would recommend the same thing. This is because of two things; the bristles on your toothbrush and bacteria build-up. The bristles on your toothbrush naturally become worn down the more you use it. Also, the bristles collects bacterial germs from your mouth, and these germs build up throughout the day from the food and drink you consume.
Replace Your Toothbrush After An Illness
Germs in the mouth also form when you’re unwell. If you have been sick, bacterial infections can form and you want to refrain from contamination. Germs can also spread to other toothbrushes, and you may become sick again after you’ve recovered if you use the same toothbrush.
Softer Bristles Can Cause Tooth Decay
When your bristles become softer, it becomes difficult for your toothbrush to accumulate the food debris and bacteria built up inside the mouth. This can increase the chances of plaque build-up owing to tooth decay. The bristles go through a lot of work to in keeping your teeth clean. If you see your bristles on the toothbrush curling up and looking soft, replace your toothbrush. Find out if you’re showing these five signs of tooth decay.
An Overused Toothbrush Can Cause Gum Disease
When the bristles become bent, they can press on your gum tissue and cause gum irritation and inflammation. Inflammation is a sign of periodontal disease and you’re likely to experience a bit of bleeding when you brush. When your gums become tender, it’s a sign of gum disease and can progressively get worse if you don’t look after your gums, another reason to regularly replace your toothbrush.
The best way to look after your toothbrush is to make sure you follow these steps:
- Rinse your toothbrush regularly and thoroughly once you’ve used it with lukewarm water
- Brush softly and gently using the correct technique
- Avoid sharing your toothbrush with somebody else and ensure the bristle head does not touch another toothbrush
- Keep the three-month replacement rule in your mind
- Cover your toothbrush when you’re travelling to avoid any germs
If you need further advice on how to look after your toothbrush, our Lotus Dental dentists are ready and waiting to serve you and your oral health needs. Alternatively, if you need a dental check-up, click here to book with us.