How Often Do You Need To Have A New Toothbrush
Most of us realize that our toothbrushes are not intended to last forever. But when our precious bristles are approaching the end of their natural life span, it can be difficult to find out. So, let’s have an expert opinion on “How Often Do You Need To Have A New Toothbrush”.
You can be shocked to find out that your toothbrush should be replaced every 12 to 16 weeks, according to manufacturer directives and dentist recommendations.
How often do you need to have a new toothbrush?
The first line of protection against the bacteria that cause gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath, is your toothbrush. To navigate the smaller spaces in your mouth, straight bristles and a smooth and easy-to-grip handle are best. A soft bristle brush eliminates old food and bacteria that can accumulate around the bases of your teeth effectively. You’re also taking action to protect your teeth from cavities if you obey the usual advice of brushing your teeth for 2 minutes twice a day. Between each meal and after a sugary snack, brushing your teeth is an extra measure you should take to be proactive in avoiding tooth decay.
The Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) also suggests that you replace the toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or anytime it seems to be worn out.
For a manual toothbrush, brushing two or three times per day is still considered normal. The bristles in your brush may start to fall out and become mangled or twisted within around 3 months at this rate of use. The toothbrush is almost ready for the garbage once the bristles in your toothbrush start to lose their stiffness. Your toothbrush rapidly loses its efficiency without bristles that brush away food and plaque.
Some other reasons for changing your toothbrush
It’s a good idea to replace your toothbrush as well as the toothbrush of everyone else in your household if you or a family member has been sick. Viral and bacterial diseases such as strep throat are of particular concern and are a good reason for switching to a new brush from your old one.
For infants, you may want to swap out toothbrushes more often than every 3 months, as they may mash on the head of a toothbrush or gnaw on the handle. When they brush their teeth, don’t forget to watch your child to make sure they don’t show their brush head to any other surface except their teeth.
If by chance, someone else uses your toothbrush, get rid of it. It’s safer to be healthy than sorry, because the mouth of everyone harbors bacteria that are different from yours.
Risk factors that may arise if you use a toothbrush beyond its recommended lifespan
The nylon bristles are exposed to water and chemicals from your toothpaste every time you use your toothbrush. This, with each use, makes the bristles a little weaker. The bristles are bending and twisting into a new form, known as “bristle flaring”. A 2013 study found that bristle flaring begins to make your toothbrush less effective after 40 days of continuous use. Study participants who did not replace their toothbrushes experienced slightly more plaque accumulation on the 40th day of use.
At least two earlier experiments on worn toothbrush heads have shown that the removal of plaque caused by gum disease and tooth decay is much less successful for older toothbrushes.
Conclusion
Your toothbrush is an important tool in maintaining your oral hygiene. Use just your own toothbrush to make the most of its lifetime, and store it upright and let it air dry. Intend to replace every person in your family’s toothbrushes every 3 to 4 months, and mark your calendar on the purchase date so that you know when it’s time to replace them again.
Are you residing in or near Modesto and are looking for helpful advice on dental care? Visit Paragon Dental today! Our experienced and helpful dental professionals can give expert recommendations on all aspects of dental care. Alternatively, you may call us on (209) 548-0100 to get your queries answered.