Just about every general dentist understands that one of the most neglected aspects of oral care among patients is changing their toothbrush out regularly. It can be easy to get comfortable with a certain toothbrush and not think about switching it, but it is important to do so to ensure that the teeth are brushed properly.
Toothbrush tips from a general dentist
While it would be much easier to give a definitive lifespan of a toothbrush, the fact is that how long a toothbrush remains effective is dependent on a wide variety of factors. The following are useful insights from a general dentist about how to ensure your toothbrush is effective and is replaced often enough.
The importance of changing your toothbrush
It is incredibly important to ensure that you always have a clean toothbrush that is effective at removing bacteria and food particles from the surface of teeth and gums. When a toothbrush becomes outdated and the bristles become worn, it can make it difficult to clean the teeth and gums properly, especially in areas that are harder to reach while brushing. Additionally, using an older toothbrush infested with bacteria and viruses can cause illness and be detrimental to your oral and general health.
How often should you change your toothbrush?
Most general dentists recommend that their patients replace their toothbrush every three months, although there are times when your toothbrush may need to be replaced more frequently. Each person’s toothbrush situation is different, and some people simply brush more vigorously and use a lower quality toothbrush, which can cause the bristles to wear out faster. Anytime the bristles appear to be in rough shape, it is time to throw away old faithful and invest in a new, high-quality toothbrush. Additionally, and even more importantly, be sure to replace your toothbrush after you recover from illness to prevent reinfection.
How to protect your toothbrush
The best way to protect your toothbrush and get the most out of it is to simply keep it clean at all times. Be sure to let it dry in the open air after use to avoid infestation from germs, which is often the case when storing a toothbrush in a container immediately after use. It is also helpful to keep your toothbrush from touching any surface that may contain germs, such as the bathroom countertop. Ideally, it is best to rinse the toothbrush off with water and place upright, with the bristles not touching anything else, to allow it to dry properly. It is also helpful to keep an extra toothbrush still packaged on hand at all times so you do not delay replacing your toothbrush when the time comes.
Talk to a general dentist today
If you want to learn more about effective and proper oral care, contact our general dentist office today and find out how we can help you keep a clean, healthy mouth and beautiful smile at all times. Be sure to consider coming in for a dental check-up and routine cleaning if needed, and we can help diagnose and treat any oral health complications that may exist as well.
Request an appointment here: https://www.dazzlemysmile.com or call Dazzling Smile Dental Group at (718) 841-9535 for an appointment in our Bayside office.
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