January 6, 2021
Filed under: Uncategorized — chaskadentistteam @ 6:54 pm
If you’re like most people, you grew up hearing your dentist and family members telling you that you need to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. But you probably weren’t told how often you should change your toothbrush. Using the same toothbrush for too long could render it not as effective and could even end up doing more harm than good. Keep reading to learn when you should change your toothbrush.
When Should You Change a Manual Toothbrush?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you should replace a manual toothbrush every three to four months. If you use your brush for much longer than that, the bristles will start to become frayed and worn, and they won’t be as effective at clearing away plaque. When too much plaque and food debris linger in your mouth, your risk of tooth decay and gum disease increases.
When Should You Replace the Head of an Electric Toothbrush?
In general, you should replace the head of your electric toothbrush every 12 weeks. This should be done more often than for a manual toothbrush because electric brushes often have shorter bristles. For this reason, they tend to become worn down more quickly and must be replaced sooner. You might even want to switch out your brush head earlier than 12 weeks if you notice that the bristles don’t appear to be in the best shape.
How to Make Your Toothbrush Last Longer
To ensure your toothbrush in good condition for as long as possible, follow these tips:
- Don’t keep your toothbrush in a place where it could come into contact with the head of another toothbrush. This makes it all too easy for germs to spread to everyone in a household.
- Always rinse off your toothbrush after brushing your teeth.
- Don’t store your toothbrush in a closed container. This creates an ideal environment for bacteria and mold to grow.
- No matter how close you are with another person, never share your toothbrush.
- Do not use mouthwash, soap, or other disinfectants to clean your toothbrush.
If you want to keep your mouth as healthy as possible, it’s crucial to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. That includes using all of the right dental tools, and an old, frayed toothbrush is not one of them. Make sure that you are replacing your toothbrush and visiting your dentist for checkups and cleanings on a regular basis. It will help keep your smile healthy and bright!
About the Author
Dr. Mark Stapleton obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2005 from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. He then achieved a Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry in 2010. Today, he focuses on helping families in Chaska, MN and the surrounding communities maintain healthy smiles at White Oak Dental. For more tips on at-home oral hygiene, you can contact Dr. Stapleton’s office via hiswebsiteor by calling(952) 448-2868.
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FAQs
If you stick to the recommended regimen of brushing twice per day, then in most cases your toothbrush will need to be changed every 3 to 4 months. There are some signs to look for if you are not sure. The straightness and cleanness of the bristles is your main indicator.
How often should you be changing your toothbrush? ›
“The average person should be swapping out for a new toothbrush every three to four months,” explains Dr. Sienna Palmer, DDS, dentist at Meridien Dental in Santa Monica, CA. “This is recommended to ensure that the bristles are still effective and bacteria accumulation on the toothbrush is minimal.”
How often should a toothbrush be replaced quizlet? ›
The time required for toothbrush bristle wear is highly variable among individuals. Clients should be advised to replace toothbrushes every 3 months.
What happens if you dont change your toothbrush often? ›
Changing your toothbrush more often will help you prevent oral-related bacterial and fungal infections. Over time, the brush bristles become uneven due to the friction and pressure of brushing the teeth. The rutted bristles scrape away gum tissues causing the enamel to wear out.
How often do dentists say you should brush your teeth? ›
Therefore, tooth brushing twice daily is recommended by most of the dentists in order to improve plaque control. This rule is followed by most of the patients taking care for their oral health and has shown to be effective in maintenance of oral health in numerous studies.
How often should I replace my brush? ›
However, the lifespan of a brush depends on its quality, texture, and type of your hair and the products and hair treatments in use. High-quality brushes may last for 12 months, while low-quality brushes serve you for less than three months. Regular cleaning plays a role in determining how long your brush will last.
What is the golden rule for oral hygiene? ›
Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Clean between your teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes. Eat a healthy, balanced diet and limit added sugar intake. Visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and preventative care.
How long should you use a regular toothbrush? ›
Get a new toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Replace it sooner if the bristles become worn down, bent or broken. Don't smoke or use other tobacco products. See a dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.
What is the life of a toothbrush? ›
The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) also advises to replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or whenever it appears to be getting worn out. Once the bristles in your toothbrush start to lose their stiffness, the toothbrush is almost ready for the trash.
How long can you reuse a toothbrush? ›
American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. This can be different for each person.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your beautiful smile twice a day. Skip a session, and you're on your way to encouraging the growth of bacterial buildup in the form of plaque, which can lead to cavities and even gum disease.
How often should you floss? ›
Ideally, patients will floss at least once a day. The best time to floss is at night before bed and before you've brushed your teeth. It's important to floss before brushing, as brushing will help displace any of the substances you dislodge from between your teeth from your mouth.
What happens if you use the same toothbrush for too long? ›
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you should replace a manual toothbrush every three to four months. If you use your brush for much longer than that, the bristles will start to become frayed and worn, and they won't be as effective at clearing away plaque.
Should you rinse after brushing? ›
Don't rinse with water straight after toothbrushing
After brushing, spit out any excess toothpaste. Don't rinse your mouth immediately after brushing, as it'll wash away the concentrated fluoride in the remaining toothpaste. Rinsing dilutes it and reduces its preventative effects.
Should you brush your tongue? ›
To ensure that you keep bacteria and plaque away, it is best to clean your tongue twice a day. A good rule of thumb is to brush or scrape your tongue right after you brush your teeth. Doing it before bed will help reduce the amount of bacteria able to grow, which reduces the chance of morning breath in the morning.
How do you know if you're over brushing? ›
Gum recession –If you notice that your gums look shorter or your teeth look longer than before, this may be a sign that you're overbrushing. Sensitive teeth – Discomfort or sensitivity when consumingcold or hot food or beverages may mean that you've been brushing your teeth too roughly.
What is the lifespan of a toothbrush? ›
The American Dental Association recommends replacing toothbrushes every three months. It's around this time that bristles begin to break down and become less effective at cleaning your teeth. Germs are another factor. While we might not like to think about it, germs build up on our toothbrushes over time.
Should I rinse after brushing? ›
Don't rinse with water straight after toothbrushing
After brushing, spit out any excess toothpaste. Don't rinse your mouth immediately after brushing, as it'll wash away the concentrated fluoride in the remaining toothpaste. Rinsing dilutes it and reduces its preventative effects.
