What You Need to Know About Your Toothbrush

Your toothbrush plays a vital role in providing you with good oral health. Brushing your teeth can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which, if neglected, can lead to other serious health problems. Keeping a toothbrush is important, but before you keep your toothbrush for good, there are facts you need to know first.

You should replace your toothbrush every three to four months

Toothbrushes should be replaced as soon as the bristles start to wear out, but in general, you should replace your toothbrush every three to four months.

For children’s toothbrushes, however, you need to replace them as often as needed. If the bristles of your kid’s toothbrush start to become droopy, it’s time to get them a new one.

Here are other situations that will require you to buy a new toothbrush:

• You had a sore throat
• You had a mouth sore
• You had a flu
• You had a cold
• You had a mouth or throat infection

When you brush your teeth while experiencing the above conditions and decide to keep your toothbrush in the household, it can encourage the spread of germs. Immediately replacing your toothbrush can help prevent any illness these germs may cause.

Your worn-out toothbrush doesn’t give you proper oral care

Worn-out or fraying bristles on toothbrushes cannot fully function as they should. These toothbrushes become ineffective cleaning tools over time. They can also house a germ build-up. If you get sick and don’t replace your toothbrush, using it again can lead to re-infection.

There is a right toothbrush for you. Learn how to find it.

• Find the right size - Your toothbrush should be able to access all areas of your mouth, including the hard to reach parts, such as your rear gum line and behind your molars. The key is to determine the right size of the toothbrush head you’ll be comfortable to use.
• Find the right bristle - Different bristles exist for different purposes. Medium or hard bristles are made for brushing away difficult plaque, but overusing it can cause damage to your teeth’s enamel. Using soft bristles is more recommended as it’s gentler with your teeth. You may consult with your dentist to know which bristle you should get.

You can take care of your toothbrush to extend its life

While it is mandatory to replace your toothbrush regularly, there are ways to prevent their immediate wearing out:

• Only you should use your toothbrush. Do not share it with anyone else.
• When traveling, use a plastic case to avoid bristle damage.
• Rinse it under cold running water after usage. Clean it carefully and make sure you removed the remaining toothpaste and other debris completely.
• Store it somewhere open, and it should always be in an upright position. Your toothbrush should not touch other toothbrushes.

Conclusion

A toothbrush is an essential part of oral health care. It is important to know how to choose the right kind for you, and to know when is the time to replace them. Keeping these guidelines in mind will allow you and your family to maximize the use of your toothbrushes. Being aware of the disadvantages of using a worn-out brush can also help prevent other health issues it might bring.

For more tips on oral health care, browse through our blog articles, or consult your trusted dentist. We have dental clinics in Ann Arbor and Waterford, Michigan, you can visit for any dental queries or emergencies. Contact us today!