We have been instilled with the “when” and “how” of cleaning our teeth since we were little children. We certainly know how to maintain the pristine whiteness of our teeth, but what about our toothbrushes? Are they meant to be a lifetime companion? Or do they need to be replaced often, just like any other dental hygiene tool? When did you last change your toothbrush? It’s probably time to find yourself a new answer if you can’t think of one. In this blog post, we will discuss in detail when to change your toothbrush as recommended by family dentistry in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Why You Should Get a New Toothbrush Regularly
As a result of the interaction between toothpaste, water, and brushing motion, toothbrushes lose some of their initial effectiveness with each usage; the bristles begin to flake and twist uncontrollably.
Because of this, it is more difficult for toothbrushes to efficiently remove germs and food particles, which can lead to the development of plaque, cavities, foul breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. After 40 days of regular usage, most toothbrushes are ready for replacement, according to research.
In addition, dangerous germs begin to accumulate on the ragged bristles and eventually find their way back into your mouth. A bacterial illness is more likely to occur the more germs that grow in your toothbrush and mouth.
How Often Should I Change My Manual Toothbrush?
Three to four months of continuous usage is when the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends replacing the head of a manual toothbrush. The American Dental Association recommends cleaning your teeth for two minutes twice a day.
For others of us, though, it might be advantageous to replace our manual toothbrushes even more frequently. Those who clean their teeth more vigorously, for instance, will eventually wear out the bristles. Similarly, you should change your toothbrush earlier when an illness (such as the flu or a cold) is ending since you don’t want all those dangerous bacteria to influence you and your family’s health!
How Frequently Should I Replace My Toothbrush When Wearing Braces?
Anyone who has ever worn braces understands how difficult it can be to clean your teeth since it takes so much time and effort to get rid of the food particles that are trapped between the wires! People wearing braces are more susceptible to bacterial accumulation and infections; therefore, it’s critical to replace the toothbrush head—either manual or electric—every two to three months.
Using the same toothbrush every day for an extended period might have negative effects on your dental health over time. The bristles will eventually soften and turn into a breeding ground for dangerous microorganisms. This is the reason why dentists recommend to switch your toothbrush.
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