Taking proper care of your teeth and oral health is important. One way to be proactive with regard to oral health is brushing and flossing your teeth daily. To get the best clean possible, having a toothbrush that’s in good shape is crucial. Knowing when to replace it can help.
When Do You Need A New Toothbrush?
The general consensus among dental professionals is that it’s a good idea to replace your toothbrush about every 3 to 4 months for best results. It may be prudent to replace your toothbrush sooner if you or other members of your household have been sick to prevent reinfection. Children may need replacements more often as they can be quite hard on their toothbrushes while learning proper technique. If you notice that your toothbrush’s bristles are visibly frayed, it would be a good idea to get a replacement.
Which Type Of Toothbrush?
There are two types of toothbrush available: manual or electric. Most often, the choice comes down to personal preference and comfort of the user. Both types have pros and cons to them.
Manual:
- Less expensive
- Silent
- Smaller and more portable
- More control of pressure and movement
- Some think they clean less effectively
Electric:
- More expensive
- Requires charging and/or batteries
- Can be noisy
- May clean teeth and gums more thoroughly
- Has sensors and timers for optimal brushing
- Less portable
In the end, you can pick whichever helps you maintain a proper brushing and dental health regimen.
Proper Toothbrush Maintenance
Besides replacing your toothbrush as necessary, there are other ways to keep it clean and useful longer. Ways to keep your toothbrush sanitary include:
- Thoroughly rinsing it under the tap after brushing
- Storing it in a vertical position after brushing
- Letting bristles completely air dry before storing toothbrushes in containers or coverings
- Considering a disposable toothbrush when traveling
People don’t always consider the fact that their toothbrushes may harbor bacteria and various pathogens if not properly taken care of. This is why toothbrush maintenance is important to the whole household as well as individual oral health.
Replacing the toothbrushes of each member of the household when necessary should become a habit. You can even have some extra toothbrushes in the bathroom and ready to go so that everyone always has a clean, well-functioning toothbrush available anytime.
The recommended guidelines advise you to replace each person’s toothbrush four times per year. That number can change based on the intensity which they brush or if someone gets ill. The goal is taking oral health to the forefront and finding ways to be proactive, such as implementing proper brushing and flossing.If you are interested in improving your oral health, call Fennell, Yoxthimer, And Associates today to schedule a consultation.
