Brushing your teeth and flossing are very important steps in your dental health routine. But, if you aren’t changing your toothbrush head or toothbrush at least every three months then you are not getting the most out of your routine. Keep reading to find out why!
Reasons To Change Your Toothbrush
- You use your toothbrush as a tool to remove bacteria and plaque from your teeth. After you brush your teeth, that bacteria and plaque are now taking home on your toothbrush. This is similar to the idea of dirt being transferred to a sponge after cleaning. The longer you keep a toothbrush, the more bacteria will grow and fester on it.
- Since bacteria love to make a home on toothbrush bristles, if you’ve recently been sick then now is the best time to change your toothbrush! Viruses and bacteria will remain on your toothbrush, which can lead to infecting any toothbrushes around it or reinfecting yourself. The safest option for both you and your family is to discard of any toothbrushes after overcoming any sickness and replace it with a fresh one.
- Have you ever seen a toothbrush with frayed bristles that are going in the wrong direction? This often happens when a toothbrush is worn out. Worn out bristles can be harsh on your gums and can lead to premature gum recession and inflammation of your gums. You can expect your toothbrush bristles to start fraying around three months of use.
Best Practices For Your Toothbrush
The best way to keep your toothbrush clean is to rinse it and let it air dry. Storing your toothbrush in small enclosed spaces allows for bacteria to grow and fester. Bacteria is also transferred from one brush to another when they are all stored in a close space like a cup. Avoid letting your brush touch others!
Your Dentist Has Got You Covered
Be sure you are changing your toothbrush every three months! If you visit your dentist every six months, most give you a new toothbrush! This means you only have to buy two toothbrushes a year for in-between visits. Schedule your routine cleaning with Kip Dental today.
