How Frequently Should A Toothbrush Be Changed

Toothbrush Be Changed: Do you remember the last time you changed your toothbrush? Toothbrushes, while seemingly simple, play a crucial role in maintaining good oral health and preventing cavities. However, like any tool, toothbrushes have a lifespan, and knowing when to replace yours is essential for effective dental hygiene.

Do you remember the last time you changed your toothbrush?

Toothbrushes are one of the most important tools to prevent cavities and remove plaque. When tooth brushing techniques are done correct, they also help prevent bad breath and gum disease. Unfortunately, not changing toothbrushes frequently enough can have a negative effect on your oral health. Different toothbrushes are recommended for different people. Research has shown that toothbrushes should be replaced every 3 to 4 months because they start to become worn out. Toothbrushes become worn out due to the accumulation of plaque and the bristles not being able to get in between teeth anymore, thus not cleaning your teeth properly. When you are brushing your teeth if it feels like the bristles need replacing then this is usually a sign that you should change your toothbrush. Integrity Dental can assist you in advising on tooth brushing techniques for your oral care.

Change your toothbrush every three months.

The best dental services in Australia including Integrity Dental recommend you changing your toothbrush at least every three months, this is for standard brushes and electric toothbrushes. It should not just be a time if you notice your bristles are looking worn earlier then you should go and change the brush before hand.

When the bristles are worn you are not cleaning your teeth as well as you used to, and this can compromise the health of your teeth and you may need fillings or tooth enamel repair should you get cavities or damage to the enamel on the teeth from poor brushing techniques. In addition to this you will be increasing the risk of cavities, plaque build up and needing tooth enamel repair. Applying too much pressure and scrubbing your teeth and gums rather than using the brushing techniques you have been shown increase the risk of damage.

Consider buying a new toothbrush after getting sick.

Consider doing your teeth a favour and buy a new toothbrush after you or a family member have been sick. Viruses like the common cold and more recently Covid-19 shed from the body and leave virus particles inside your mouth that get easily collected on your toothbrush when brushing. This is the reason any of the best dental experts in Australia along with the dentists at Integrity Dental recommend replacing your toothbrush to make sure your mouth remains clean and prevents others getting sick especially if you do not store your toothbrush in an individual holder or share a cup to rinse your mouth with.

Viruses and microorganisms love to hide and where better than the good old toothbrush. You don’t want the brushes to be damp in a holder all together and be touching, spreading germs and making the whole household ill. Also remember the toothpaste if you share a tube, this may need to be replaced if it has been cross contaminated and used by someone who is unwell. This too can spread germs as it touches an infected toothbrush then used on a clean one.

The beat way to keep your toothbrush clean.

There is so much bacteria that lives inside your mouth, and we shouldn’t try to kill them as some are good bacteria that we need, but due to this we should never clean a toothbrush with chemicals like disinfectant to make sure we have washed all those pesky germs away, just good old fashioned water is best. Simply brush with toothpaste, rinse your mouth then rinse the brush in tap water, letting it air dry. Your toothbrush needs to dry off before you use it again as this helps to kill any bacteria naturally.

After following the toothbrushing techniques taught to you by Integrity Dental you should avoid placing your toothbrush in a vanity cupboard if you have a nice sunny bathroom. If you can, put it in a place where the sun reaches as this will also help to kill off any bacteria.

Before you use your toothbrush cover allow the brush to completely dry as the humidity that can build up in a cover will only make your toothbrush a breeding ground for mould and bacteria to grow as the container becomes moist.

To avoid slimy bacteria growing in the bottom of a toothbrush holder and spreading to your brush, Integrity Dental recommends you look for a suction cap holder that you can place on your wall to store your toothbrush. This holder allows the whole brush, including the handle to completely dry off. This is the most ideal situation to try and completely avoid the mess that gathers in the bottom of a cup that is often shared with more than one toothbrush at a time.

Remember: Most of the bacteria we can never see without a microscope, so the very last important tip, if you have a bathroom that has your toilet in it as well is to keep your toothbrush far, far away, no less than a metre is suggested from your toilet.