How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?

Having a brighter, healthier smile is a great goal for everyone. While growing up, you may have heard your parents, guardians, or even your dentist telling you that your teeth need to be brushed at least twice a day. However, this process can cause a lot of wear on your toothbrush – and using a worn out toothbrush can actually cause more harm than good to your health. That’s because more food particles can remain on your teeth, increasing the risk of gum diseases and tooth decay.

You should make sure to replace your toothbrush regularly to maintain a healthy smile. Here’s what to know about replacing your toothbrush and how often you should do it.

When to replace your toothbrush

With continuous use over time, toothbrushes become ineffective. This minimizes the chances of removing tartar from gums and teeth. For this reason, the American Dental Association advises replacing your toothbrushes at least every three months. It’s estimated that after this period, the toothbrush becomes ineffective because the bristles break down.

Additionally, germs can accumulate and hide in the bristles of worn-out toothbrushes. These germs can increase your chances of getting infected. Apart from germs, bacteria and fungi can also develop on the bristles. To be safe, after brushing your teeth, ensure that you thoroughly rinse off and dry your toothbrush, removing food particles.

What if I don’t change my toothbrush?

Besides fungi and bacteria accumulating on your toothbrush, there are also other risks that come with not replacing your toothbrush. One such risk is gum damage. This means that by using an ineffective toothbrush, plaque is only partially removed from the teeth. This can cause periodontal disease (gingivitis) which causes swelling, redness, and irritation of the gums. This can be painful and even serious, leading to infection.

In addition, you can also fall sick from an old, worn-out toothbrush. If your toothbrush is kept near the toilet, you can ingest unwanted particles. Your toothbrush can also grow mold, which is especially dangerous to people with allergies.

What type of toothbrush should I buy?

One easy thing you can do is to ask your dentist what type of toothbrush you should use. Most dentists recommend toothbrushes with soft bristles rather than medium or hard. Soft bristles cause the least amount of damage to your teeth and gums while still effectively removing bacteria and tartar. Furthermore, you should consider using toothpaste containing fluoride and approved by the American Dental Association. Make sure to avoid whitening toothpaste since these can cause wear on your enamel over time.

Schedule an Appointment

If you’re interested in learning more about the best ways to care for your smile, our team is here to help. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Tadros by calling or filling out our online contact form.