Aside from going to your dentists regularly, it is essential that you practice proper dental care at home. Oral care at home starts with the tools and products you use, and the most important one is your toothbrush. Besides knowing which toothbrush to buy, you also need to know how frequently you should change it. 

In this post, we will talk about proper toothbrush care and also explore other dental products. 

The Best Time to Change Your Toothbrush

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends changing your toothbrush every three months. It is found that the bristles of your toothbrush break down and lose their effectiveness around three months. That is, if you are using a standard toothbrush. 

On the other hand, if you’re using an electric toothbrush, change its head every 12 weeks or earlier. It’s also a good idea to observe the wear and tear on the bristles, so you’ll know when to change the brush head. 

Aside from the normal wear and tear, fungi and germs can hide and build up in the bristles. That is why it is crucial to replace the toothbrush after having a cold to reduce the risk of possible reinfection. 

Make sure you rinse and dry the toothbrush thoroughly after use. Store it in an upright position and keep it away from other used toothbrushes. When buying a toothbrush, you can also choose the ones that come with covers. 

The Dangers of Not Changing Your Toothbrush 

Imagine the fungus and bacteria that can accumulate on the bristles over time. Icky, right? That is already a reason enough to replace your toothbrush as often as you can. Aside from that, a toothbrush that hasn’t been replaced for too long can be ineffective with removing plaque from your teeth, which may lead to gingivitis. Also, a dirty toothbrush can grow mold and worse, you could ingest it. 

The Right Type of Toothbrush

Knowing when to replace your toothbrush is as vital as buying the right one. Dentists recommend that you purchase a toothbrush with soft bristles as stiff bristles can damage your teeth and gums. When it comes to the toothbrush size, choose one that has a head size that touches one or two teeth at a time. 

You can also get an electric toothbrush because they have been proven to improve oral health beyond what a manual toothbrush can do. 

Aside from your toothbrush, you also need to have the right dental products, such as toothpaste. Choose one that contains fluoride that’s approved by the ADA. It is also recommended to use mouthwash and floss regularly to fight plaque and gingivitis. 

Conclusion

Remember that your toothbrush is your first line of defense against bacteria that cause oral diseases and bad breath. Knowing when to replace your toothbrush and the right one to use are important to keep your oral health in check. Moreover, brushing your teeth must be accompanied by other dental products to ensure your mouth and teeth are clean. Maintain your toothbrush properly and make the most of its lifespan. Replace it every 3-4 months and if possible, mark the date when you purchased your toothbrush. 

Achieve better oral health with help from a reliable Edmonton dentist. Edmonton Smiles is one of the most trusted dentists in the area. Book an appointment with us today. 

Posted in Dental News & Advice