How Often Should You Replace Your Toothbrush and Why?
A brilliant smile begins with good oral health and dental hygiene. The pillar of good dental hygiene and clean teeth is brushing and flossing your teeth. This, combined with regular visits to your dentist, helps you maintain good oral health. Sounds simple, and it is.
How Often Should You Replace Your Toothbrush?
Generally, a toothbrush, whether manual or electric, should be replaced every 3 to 4 months as recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA). However, if your toothbrush begins to fray and lose its shape as the bristles start to wear, you may want to consider replacing it sooner.
Likewise, if you keep your toothbrush near other toothbrushes that aren’t your own, or you have been sick recently, then you may want to replace your toothbrush sooner.
General Toothbrush Etiquette
It sounds like common sense, but there are few things to remember when it comes to your toothbrush and toothbrush hygiene.
You may choose to rinse your toothbrush in Listerine to reduce the bacterial load of your toothbrush, but this is optional.
- Don’t share your toothbrush, each family member should have their own toothbrush.
- Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after each use.
- Allow your toothbrush to air dry, and place it in an area with sunlight if possible.
- Keep your toothbrush in an upright position and not in a closed container.
Why Should I Replace My Toothbrush Regularly?
The reason why you should replace your toothbrush is simple; a worn out toothbrush is not as effective when it comes to cleaning your teeth. It may begin to harbor bacteria and toothpaste buildup.
A good dental care routine, together with a good toothbrush can help with:
- Better oral health, including strong teeth and gums, and fresh breath
- Gum disease prevention
- Plaque removal, preventing long-term buildup
- Good oral health contributes to better physical health
- Preventing cavities and reducing the need for fillings
How Often Should I Brush My Teeth?
The general consensus is that your teeth and mouth should be cleaned at least twice a day as part of a good dental care routine.
We recommend brushing your teeth in the morning after breakfast, and in the evening just before going to bed for about two minutes.
Is It Time to Visit Your Dentist?
Patients who maintain good oral health still need to visit the dentist once or twice a year for a check-up. This allows your dentist to check your mouth, teeth, and gums for cavities, gum disease, plaque build-up, and other concerns.
You can have professional teeth cleaning done to help reduce staining, remove plaque that is in hard-to-reach places, and prevent tooth decay.
Contact Pearly Whites Dental Care in Morrisville, PA!
To find out more about how to maintain good oral health, gum disease prevention, and to schedule an appointment for dental care in Morrisville, PA, contact us at Pearly Whites Dental Care today!