You’ve just finished brushing your teeth, but when you run your tongue over them, you notice that you still have a bit of a film. You glance over at your toothbrush and notice it has splayed bristles. Whether it’s due to forgetfulness or simply choosing not to, more than 75 percent of adults don’t replace their toothbrushes or toothbrush heads every 3 months. If you are bruising with frayed bristles, it’s not doing much for your oral health. Here’s why you should change your toothbrush in a timely manner, when you should start shopping for a new one and what to look for.
Why You Should Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly
As your toothbrush wears down, the bristles become bent, sharper and more jagged. Worn bristles remove less plaque and bacteria, but they can also cause your gums to bleed and lead to premature gum recession. If you’ve been sick, using a bacteria-filled toothbrush can get you sick again. But even without you having a cold, harmful germs and fungus can grow within the bristles of your toothbrush if it doesn’t completely dry between uses. If your toilet is in the same room where you brush your teeth, “other” bacteria and particles can find their way to your bristles as well, especially if you don’t keep your toothbrush covered.
When to Replace Your Toothbrush
Studies show that the average American only replaces their toothbrush every 6 months while the American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush at least every 3 months. If you wear orthodontia, had dental work done or catch a cold, your dentist might recommend replacing your brush more often.
How to Shop for a Toothbrush
While manual and electric toothbrushes are both capable of removing plaque and bacteria, studies show that electric toothbrushes are better at cleaning teeth, minimizing gingivitis and reducing dental stains. Another important trait to look for in a toothbrush is the type of bristles it has. Most people choose hard or medium bristles with the impression that they will clean their teeth better, but they are actually more harmful to your teeth. Soft bristles are more flexible and can clean the nooks and crannies in your teeth. They are also much better for your gums!
Brushing your teeth twice a day with worn-down bristles won’t do much for your teeth. Replacing your toothbrush or toothbrush head in a timely manner will help keep your mouth clean and your oral health on track. If you’re not sure what kind of toothbrush is best for your dental needs, your dentist can help.
About the Practice
At Cambria Smiles, Drs. Ramandeep Badhan, Andrew Van Sicklen and Frank Fratto have all of your dental needs covered. They work together to provide patients of all ages with personalized, comprehensive dental care. Each doctor continues to pursue advanced training and education in order to offer the most modern techniques in dentistry. If it’s time for your first dental checkup of the year, contact the office at (805) 927-4811 or visit the website to schedule an appointment today.