When was the last time you thought of replacing your toothbrush? Toothbrushes used for dental care and dental hygiene don’t come with an expiry date unlike food items, medicines, supplements, and even beauty products. However, they aren’t supposed to last a lifetime and will wear out over time. So, how do you know that it’s time for your beloved toothbrush to reach the trash can?
How often should you change toothbrushes?
It is important to brush your teeth as it removes plaque that harbors bacteria. It can be regarded as the first line of defense against the bacteria that cause gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. The best dentists in Mumbai recommend brushing your teeth for 2 minutes twice per day to maintain good dental hygiene. If you are very proactive and want sparkling teeth, you can brush after every meal.
At this rate of use, the bristles in your brush will start to break down and fan out within about 3 months. Therefore, the best dentists in Mumbai advise replacing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or earlier if it appears to be worn out to maintain good dental hygiene.
Isn’t it difficult to brush your hair with a hairbrush that doesn’t have proper bristles? Similarly, a worn-out toothbrush is equally as inefficient and doesn’t provide good dental care.
How often should you change an electric toothbrush?
As with a manual toothbrush, you need to replace the entire brush but with an electric toothbrush, you need to only change the head. Electric toothbrush bristles vibrate or rotate to remove plaque around from your teeth and provide good dental care. The bristles of electric toothbrushes are shorter, which means that they can fray more quickly. You should replace the toothbrush head on your electric toothbrush every 3 months, or even earlier if it shows signs of wearing.
Other reasons to change your toothbrush
Should children change their toothbrushes more often than adults?
Yes, children should change their toothbrushes more often than adults as confirmed by the best dentists in Mumbai.
This is because they tend to play with their brush by gnawing or squeezing it.
Pro-tips to take care of your toothbrush from the best dentists in Mumbai
What happens if I don’t change my toothbrush?
Daily exposure to water and chemicals in your toothpaste makes the bristles a little weaker with every use. The bristles bend and flare which greatly decreases their efficiency of removing plaque and preventing decay and gum disease.
Easy reminders for when to change your toothbrush
Takeaway
Your toothbrush is an essential oral hygiene aid. In order to maintain your toothbrush and ensure longer shelf life, store it upright and allow it to air dry. Keep an eye for signs of wear and tear on the bristles to know when it’s time to bid Goodbye!