Brushing your teeth every day is the best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong by clearing out harmful oral bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease linked to other health issues. Since the mouth is the gateway to the body, poor oral health is linked to certain cancers, heart disease, diabetes and strokes.,
Life Cycle of a Toothbrush
Every time you brush your teeth the nylon bristles on your toothbrush become exposed to water and the chemicals in your toothpaste. This causes the bristles to become weaker and before you know it, they bend and twist into a less effective shape. This is called “bristle flaring” and significantly reduces the effectiveness of your toothbrush.
The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) recommend getting a new toothbrush when it starts to wear down, every 12 to 16 weeks (or sooner, if you brush aggressively or brush after every meal). So if you keep a toothbrush or electric toothbrush head around longer than that, you risk your oral health and potentially spreading oral infection.
A good toothbrush should have straight bristles with a soft or medium hardness and be easy to maneuver to reach all the areas in your mouth (especially the chewing surfaces of the molars in the back). The harder the bristles, the more you risk damaging the gums and wearing down tooth enamel prematurely.
A good toothbrush can effectively remove any stray bits of food and bacteria that collect around and in between the tight crevices between teeth. So if you brush as recommended for two minutes a day twice daily, the bristles tend to wear down in around three months. Brushing more often accelerates the breakdown of the bristles, so you should consider replacing them in a month or two if you notice they “flare”, losing their shape and stiffness. So basically, let your bristles be your guide!
Replacing an Electric Toothbrush Head
Unlike a manual toothbrush, an electric toothbrush head cleans your pearly whites as it rotates or vibrates. Regular use also wears the bristles down. Because they are short, they can fray sooner than a manual bristle brush. A good rule of thumb is to replace the head every 3 months, at the very least, depending on how often you brush. There are also other instances where you might need to replace your toothbrush head even sooner.
-If you have been sick, or someone else in the household is recovering from a viral or bacterial infection like strep throat, that’s a good time to get new brushes or toothbrush heads.
-Kids might need their toothbrush changed out more often than the normal 3-month period as well if they like to gnaw on it while brushing.
Toothbrush Care
It’s important that a toothbrush dries in between cleanings and doesn’t touch anyone else’s while being stored. It needs to be rinsed thoroughly with tap water after every use. Avoid storing it in a closed container as that can quickly become a breeding ground for mold growth or for spreading bacteria. Rinse well after every use and store upright in an open container to allow it to dry in between uses.
We hope this helps you keep your family’s toothbrushes strong and effective for a healthier smile and body! Feel free to call our Valley View Dental team in Romeoville, Naperville and Montgomery, Illinois, with your questions or to schedule your next visit at one of our convenient locations nearest you!