Do you find yourself wondering how often I should replace my toothbrush?
Of course, there is a general guideline as to when a toothbrush should be replaced. However, there are other factors to consider in this replacement. For example, a toothbrush that is stored properly is likely to outlast one that is haphazardly placed on the countertop.
If you want to better your oral health, you’re going to want to read this. We’re sharing our guide on how often one should replace their toothbrush and which outside factors to consider.
General Guidelines
Generally speaking, dental professionals recommend that we replace our toothbrushes once every 3-4 months.
This is the best way to ensure that our toothbrush can do its job and that we’re not harming our gums or our teeth. It also helps to fend off the spread of illnesses and minimize the number of bacteria residing on our toothbrush.
Of course, it’s also important to understand that a good quality toothbrush is likely to outlast a poor quality toothbrush. It’s also important to understand that some electric toothbrushes carry a longer lifespan than their manual counterparts.
Appearance
It’s also important to consider the appearance of the bristles.
Are they frayed and matted or do they remain carefully intact? Despite how long you’ve been using your toothbrush, the appearance of the bristles is a dead giveaway for replacement. Not only will frayed bristles be ineffective in cleaning your teeth, but they can also cause future dental problems.
It’s also important to consider how often and how vigorously you brush. While brushing 1.1 times each day is considered to be average, this isn’t the case for all. If you brush more often, your toothbrush will require more frequent replacement than the average toothbrush. In this sense, it’s best to replace your toothbrush on a near-monthly basis.
Illness and Bacteria
Have you been fending off an illness?
Whether you’ve been battling a cold or a stomach virus, it’s crucial to change your toothbrush once you’re feeling better. Remember, bacteria can live on the surface of a toothbrush for many months after sickness.
With this, it’s also a good idea to change the toothbrushes of your family members. With many toothbrushes remaining in close proximity, it’s not unusual for these germs to spread. In this sense, it’s better to be safe than to be sorry.
Proper Storage
One way to elongate the lifespan of your toothbrush is to ensure that you’re using proper storage.
With this, it’s safe to say that a properly stored toothbrush will remain cleaner, germ-free and intact than a poorly stored toothbrush. To ensure proper storage, place your toothbrush within an enclosed cabinet or drawer. This will protect the toothbrush from outside bacterias that are present in the bathroom.
It’s also a good idea to place your toothbrush vertically. This helps to keep your toothbrush away from the other toothbrushes and to protect it from the surface of your cabinet.
How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush and Why?
When it comes to our oral health, wondering how often should I replace my toothbrush is a major concern.
In general, it’s safe to say that our toothbrush is one of our most important oral instruments. However, it’s equally important to understand when your toothbrush should be replaced and why. With proper replacement, you can ensure that your smile is radiant and that your teeth are healthy!
Are you in need of a dental service? If so, be sure to book an appointment today!