When was the last time you changed your toothbrush? If you can’t remember, then it is probably time. A toothbrush is not something that you may think about often, but it is something that we all should be using multiple times a day. A toothbrush is one of the primary ways that you remove lingering bacteria and unwanted food from your teeth, tongue, and mouth after eating. You should be replacing your toothbrush every 3-4 months.
How Do I Know When to Replace My Brush?
You should be checking the state of your toothbrush each time you brush your teeth. The bristles on your toothbrush should be standing up. If you notice the bristles are bent or spread out, it is time to replace your brush. The bristles can also give an indication if you are brushing your teeth too hard. Remember, if you brush too hard, you can cause damage to your tooth enamel as well as your gums. Your toothbrush should also be replaced following an illness. There are always bacteria that linger on your toothbrush, but after an illness, you don’t want the bad bacteria to take over and cause a reinfection.
Clean and Store Your Brush Properly
After you thoroughly brush your teeth, be sure to clean and rinse the bristles well with clean water. You want to be sure that you rinse any lingering toothpaste and bacteria away. There may also be food that needs to be cleaned from the bristles. Be sure to store your toothbrush in an upright position to ensure the bristles can dry properly.
We would love to hear from you if you have any other oral hygiene questions or need a recommendation on a dental tool we recommend. If you have not had an oral hygiene examination recently, now is a great time to schedule an appointment. We also recommend scheduling an appointment for any dental treatments we may have recommended. Be sure to contact our office, which is located in Brunswick, GA, to schedule your next appointment. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
