The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth at least twice per day for two minutes both times. During any given year, that is a LOT of time! Because of the amount of time you’re investing, it’s important we make sure the toothbrush you’re using is up to the task of keeping your teeth and gums healthy. When should you change your toothbrush? Here are a few tips from your Boulder dentist to keep you brushing into a happy and healthy future!
Is it time to change your toothbrush?
Your toothbrush should be in good working order if you expect great results. You need to be sure your brush is up to the task of removing plaque and germs and that the bristles are long enough and strong enough to get in all of those hard-to-reach places in your mouth. The ADA (American Dental Association) states that your toothbrush should be replaced every three to fourth months, possibly more if the bristles become worn and frayed! Also, if you’ve just gotten over an illness or a virus, you should throw out your old brush and and replace it with a new one. Bacteria and other contaminants can live on your toothbrush causing relapse or reinfection.
Getting the most from your new toothbrush
After you replace your brush you can keep it working at its best for a lot longer and keep your teeth sparkly clean by doing the following:
- Store your toothbrush somewhere it’s separate and on it’s own. There are a lot of toothbrush storage products on the market that can help keep your brush in good condition and keep it hygienic when not in use.
- Give your brush a good rinse after each use. Investing in a toothbrush wash solution can help, or just drop your brush into antiseptic mouth for a few minutes after use.
- Never share a toothbrush with someone else. Everyone in your family needs their own brush to prevent the spread of bacteria.
- Allow your children to choose their own toothbrush! Brushing isn’t especially fun for the youngsters out there, but giving them some freedom to choose the color or the character featured on their brush can do wonders for getting them excited about brushing!
It’s not unusual for people to carry on using the same toothbrush for up to a year at a time, but this could be putting your oral hygiene routine at risk. By using the tips above, you can be sure your toothbrush is doing its job effectively, and keeping your teeth and gums in much healthier condition. Prevention is the cheapest form of dentistry!