When Should I Change My Toothbrush?
Do you know how often you should replace your toothbrush? We speak about the importance of brushing your teeth properly, but if your toothbrush is damaged, it is impossible to brush your teeth effectively. Since you should be brushing your teeth multiple times a day to remove lingering food and bacteria, your toothbrush needs to be replaced more frequently than other items. You should be replacing your toothbrush every 3–4 months. It is also necessary to replace your toothbrush after an illness such as strep throat. 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.
How Do I Know When to Replace My Toothbrush?
Each time you brush your teeth, you should check the appearance and state of your toothbrush. Be sure to look closely at the bristles. They should be straight, similar to when you purchased the toothbrush. If the bristles are bent or spread out, it is time to replace the toothbrush. The appearance of the bristles after brushing can also be an indication of how you are brushing your teeth. For example, if the bristles are fanned out, you may be brushing your teeth too hard. This can lead to damaged tooth enamel.
Clean and Store Your Toothbrush Properly
After you brush your teeth, you should rinse your toothbrush with water to remove any remaining toothpaste and food residue. Store your toothbrush upright to ensure the bristles can dry properly. It is also wise to store your toothbrush away from the side of the sink or near the toilet. Water from both places can easily reach your brush, which may contaminate it.
If you have any questions about which toothbrush we recommend or how to brush properly, we would love to help you! 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 Kewaskum, WI, to schedule your next appointment. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
