Do you know how often you should replace your toothbrush? The CDC would advise every 3-4 months, but what is this based on? There are lots of different types of toothbrushes, and there are also huge variables like how often you brush, how firmly you brush, and even where you store your toothbrush. We're going to take a look at when you should replace your toothbrush, as well as why it's important to do so. Keep reading, and we'll jump in!
What Happens When You Don't Replace Your Toothbrush?
You may think it's not a particularly big deal to replace your toothbrush regularly. After all, you're still cleaning your teeth even if the bristles are a little worn down, right? In fact, there are a few reasons why it's important to replace your toothbrush. Worn Down Bristles Are Less Effective If you brush your teeth as regularly as you should, the bristles on your toothbrush will wear down. These bristles can become frayed and so will not penetrate and break down the layers of plaque, bacteria, and food particles that can build up on your teeth. Old Toothbrushes Can Harbour Bacteria It makes sense to think that since your toothpaste and toothbrush do a good job of getting rid of bacteria, they won't live on your toothbrush. Sadly, that's not the case, especially for old toothbrushes where the bristles are frayed and clogged together. Bacteria can build up and grow within these clogged bristles, meaning that the next time you take the toothbrush to your teeth, you're adding bacteria to your mouth before removing it. Is that gross enough to encourage you to buy new toothbrushes regularly?
How to Know When to Replace Your Toothbrush
There are a few signs that it's time to replace your toothbrush. The chances are if you're reading this article with intrigue, that you are suspicious your toothbrush might be on its last days. If, as we've mentioned, the bristles on your toothbrush have spread out and become frayed, it's a good sign to go toothbrush shopping. If you or your family have been sick recently, consider replacing old toothbrushes as some nasties can stick around. If you store your toothbrush with others, it's all the more reason to replace them if someone has been feeling ill. Dried toothpaste can accumulate on the base of your toothbrush and can be tough to remove. It's probably best to replace it rather than try to scrape it out!
Do You Need to Replace Your Toothbrush?
If you've read through the signs that you need to replace your toothbrush, you might just be grossed out enough by the "why" to go ahead and buy a new one! While there are lots of types of toothbrushes, you don't need to break the bank to get one that will do a good job of keeping your teeth clean. If you live in the Kamloops area and are looking for a dentist, we'd love to take you on as a patient. Don't hesitate to get in touch and book an appointment.