Knowing when to replace your worn-out shoes or faded clothes is quite easy. But how frequently should you change your toothbrush? Well, it all depends on how you use the toothbrush, your health and your preferences. Hence, before you make use of your toothbrush again, ask yourself this question “is it time for a new toothbrush?”
If you’re practising good oral hygiene, then you probably brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes and floss daily. But how often do you change this instrument that you’re using to clean plaque off your teeth and gums day in and day out? Most of us know that our toothbrushes are not meant to last forever, but figuring out when they are nearing the end of their natural lifespan can sometimes be hard to achieve.
Did you know that the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations from the dentist both state that your toothbrush should be replaced every 12 to 16 weeks? There are even some cases where you’ll need to replace your toothbrush sooner. Not replacing your toothbrush when it needs to be can affect your dental health and can even cause infection.
How often should you change your toothbrush?
The toothbrush is the first line of defence against bacteria and other harmful germs that may cause tooth decay, gum disease, or bad breath.
Your beloved bristle brush can help you remove old food and bacteria that are located around the bases of your teeth. Your toothbrush lifespan depends greatly on its usage, your health and preference. Hence, if you follow the recommended standard of brushing your teeth for 2 minutes twice per day, you’ll observe that the bristles on your brush start to fall out and become mangled or twisted within 3 months.
Hence, it is recommended that you replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or whenever it appears to be worn out. If your toothbrush starts to lose its stiffness, then it’s almost time for a replacement. Without the soft bristles that help in brushing aside food particles and plaque from your teeth, your toothbrush will quickly lose its efficiency.
How often should you change your electric toothbrush?
An electric toothbrush is a type of toothbrush that can be used to clean the surface area of your teeth by rotating or vibrating. They have detachable heads, and these heads consist of nylon bristles that can also be worn after regular use. The bristles of the electrical toothbrush are shorter, hence, they may fray more quickly.
If you’re using an electric toothbrush, it is recommended that you change the head on your electric toothbrush every 2 to 3 months. Also, watch for any signs of wear and tear on the bristles to know when it’s time to get a new one.
Other factors that determine when you change your toothbrush
It is recommended that you change your toothbrush as well as those of your family if you or a family member have been sick. Viral and bacterial infections such as strep throat can be transmitted via a toothbrush. Therefore, it’s apparent that you switch your old toothbrush for a new one.
Kids’ toothbrushes should be changed more often than the recommended 3 months, because they may gnaw on the toothbrush handle or mash on the toothbrush head.
Do not share your toothbrush with anyone. If someone makes use of your toothbrush by mistake, then get rid of it. It’s better to be safe than sorry since everyone harbours different kinds of bacteria in their mouth.
