- 11/07/2022
- by Kiddie Dental Home
- Blog
When was the last time you changed your toothbrush? We throw away spoiled food, stock up on vitamins and supplements, and constantly replace our beauty products, but when it comes to health and beauty, it’s our dental hygiene that we don’t give the same attention or thought to other parts of our regimen. However, there are important rules and tips that you must follow to maintain optimal dental health.
When To Change Your Toothbrush?
Most dentists recommend changing your toothbrush every 3 months. Over time, toothbrushes go through normal wear and tear and become less effective at removing plaque from teeth and gums. Studies have found that about 3 months is the time it takes for a brush to break off and lose its effectiveness.
Another consideration that we don’t normally think about (and probably don’t like to think about) is that toothbrushes can harbor and grow germs. That’s why it’s important to change your toothbrush after catching a cold or risk a possible re-infection.
What Happens If I Don’t Change My Toothbrush Often Enough?
While you know that the bacteria and fungus that accumulates on the bristles of your toothbrush isn’t reason enough to replace your brush regularly, there are also many risks and unattractive problems associated with not replacing your brush. One risk involves gum damage, as old toothbrushes are no longer effective at removing plaque from teeth, which can lead to gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to infection, which can lead to tooth decay. Even more unattractive is that you can get sick from overusing toothbrushes
What To Consider When Shopping for Dental Products
Ask your dentist at your next dental and cleaning for recommendations on what to buy based on your individual needs, your particular dental condition, and so on. Some common suggestions from dentists are to find toothbrushes with soft bristles because hard brushes can damage and puncture your teeth, choose a brush head size that will touch one or two teeth at a time, and use fluoride toothpaste. consider using mouthwash to better control plaque and gingivitis and don’t forget to floss!