Our toothbrush is an important part of our day but is often overlooked. Between busy mornings and late nights we often don’t think about how long it’s been since we replaced our toothbrush. Unfortunately, our dental hygiene often gets less attention than the rest of our routines. To help fix this follow these rules on how often you should get a new toothbrush.
How Often Should You Get a New Toothbrush
There are a lot of reasons your toothbrush should be replaced. Over time toothbrushes can wear and become less effective cleaning your teeth. They can also be host to hidden bacteria and germs over time. Our team has put together a few basic toothbrush rules to help you decide when to get a new toothbrush.
1. Change your toothbrush every three months. Three months is a good rule to follow for optimal effectiveness and health. After this time bristles tend to break down and bacteria begin to build.
2. Anytime you are sick you should get a new toothbrush. As we mentioned toothbrushes can hold germs and bacteria. If you have been sick recently, it’s always a good idea to get a new toothbrush.
3. Check your toothbrush regularly. If you start to notice fraying, discoloration, or other deformities you should replace your toothbrush sooner.
Why Should You Replace Your Toothbrush
As we mentioned above there are a lot of reasons to replace an old toothbrush, but what happens if you don’t? An old toothbrush can not only be ineffective it can cause damage to your teeth. When a toothbrush begins to wear down it is less effective at cleaning your teeth and gums. This means plaque can build up and cause problems like gingivitis. We also mentioned the build up of bacteria, butt mold can also begin to build over time. Built up germs, bacteria and mold can all cause illness. Replacing your toothbrush regularly can not only be good for your dental health but overall health.
If it has been awhile since you’ve gotten a new toothbrush you may want to do so now. You can also schedule a cleaning with us at Fulton Family Dentistry to check for any plaque build up. For more on our services check out our website or call (616) 458-1977 today!