Shopping for a new toothbrush may not be as fun as buying new clothes or shoes. However, the role of a toothbrush in ensuring good oral health for you and your family members is crucial. Hence, it requires proper care and replacement from time to time. Knowing how often to replace toothbrush or brush heads is essential for good oral hygiene. It keeps your oral cavity healthy and avoids potential dental problems.
Keep reading to learn when and how frequently you should change your toothbrush and what happens if you skip it. Discover the best toothbrush types available and tips to maintain your toothbrush for a healthy smile.
How Do I Know My Toothbrush Needs Replacing?
A toothbrush is an important tool for your daily oral care regimen. It clears plaque and food debris from the tooth surface and the gumline. Brushing twice daily helps prevent plaque buildup and various oral health problems. However, a toothbrush does not last forever. As you brush multiple times a day, its bristles are likely wearing out, and the brush loses its ability to clean efficiently.
So, how long does a toothbrush last? Whether for toddlers, teens or adults, the amount of time recommended by dentistry to use a toothbrush or an electric toothbrush head is typically two to three months. If you are unsure how to tell if it is time for a replacement, watch out for the following signs and conditions:
Toothbrushes Get Old and Frayed
A toothbrush in good condition helps clean teeth and gums effectively. However, signs of wear and tear start appearing as you use it with the right brushing techniques. The bristles may harden, look frayed and worn out, discolour, and smell bad. If not replaced, they lose their softness and the ability to flex gently to clean the mouth properly. Besides, they may also irritate or injure the gums. Regardless of how long you have had your current toothbrush, replace it quickly if you see wear and tear on the toothbrush bristles.
Replace Your Toothbrush After an Illness
Illness is another factor to consider when considering how often to replace toothbrush heads and bristles. It often indicates the presence of harmful bacteria and microbes all over the body, including the mouth. They latch onto the brush head and bristles and are likely to be reintroduced in the body after recovery if the infected toothbrush is not replaced. This is particularly seen in the case of viral and bacterial infections like strep throat. Hence, it is vital to replace your toothbrush after recovering from an illness. This supports your dental hygiene and saves you from potential reinfections.
Here is What Can Happen if You do Not Change Your Toothbrush Often Enough
Prolonged use of the same toothbrush can lead to various oral health concerns. Frayed bristles lose their ability to clean properly. Ineffective cleaning leaves bacteria and plaque behind. An old toothbrush may also gather harmful germs and microbes that can cause infections. This answers ‘How often should you change your toothbrush?’ to reduce the risk of various dental health problems, such as:
Plaque buildup: Worn bristles cannot clean the teeth effectively. It misses plaque and bacteria, allowing plaque to accumulate in the mouth.
Risk of gum disease: Poor cleaning and plaque buildup leads to gum infections. As a result, the gums bleed when you floss or brush, causing gum disease that may later become periodontal disease.
Bad breath: If bacteria are not properly cleaned away, they accumulate on the tongue and soft tissues in the mouth. They release odorous compounds, causing persistent bad breath.
Tooth decay: Inefficient cleaning promotes bacteria that thrive in plaque. These bacteria feed on sugar residues, releasing acids that decay the tooth enamel, eventually leading to cavities.
What is The Best Kind of Toothbrush to Use?
Choosing the right toothbrush is important for effective dental care. With numerous shapes, styles, and sizes of toothbrushes available in the market, it can be confusing to pick one that best suits you. Here are some factors you can consider to make the right choice:
Soft bristles: Most dentists recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush. It works safely on the teeth to remove plaque without damaging the enamel or irritating the gums.
Small brush head: It easily fits into the mouth and can access all hard-to-reach areas, including the back teeth.
Powered vs manual: Both types of toothbrushes clean effectively. However, powered brushes can help those with special oral needs or limited movement.
Comfort: Look for a toothbrush design that offers comfort. Most handles have a non-slippery grip and flexible neck. Brush heads may be rectangular or tapered, while bristles can be flat, rippled or trimmed to a dome shape.
Seal of approval: Look for the seal of approval from the Singapore Dental Association. It assures that the product meets safety and quality standards.
