Every dental health specialist will tell you to replace your toothbrush after 3 or 4 months if you use it twice a day. Despite this widely known fact, most people don’t heed this advice. However, you should keep in mind that a new toothbrush head plays a significant role in both your oral hygiene and overall wellbeing.
It is, therefore, necessary to maintain the freshness of your toothbrush by having it replaced as recommended or even sooner depending on how damaged or worn out it is. Here are just some of the reasons why a fresh toothbrush is so essential.
1. Prevents Gum Damage
Toothbrushes are made of bristles that are first cut to the same size then domed on the tips to prevent the jagged edges from injuring your gums and scraping off the enamel when brushing. The more you use your brush, the more the domes wear off, exposing the rough, jagged edges.
Using a toothbrush with worn-out bristles will cause the bristles to injure your gums and may even result in gum recession and sensitivity. To avoid this, you need to get a new toothbrush after the recommended three months or when you notice that the bristles have started wearing out. Keep your toothbrush fresh, and you won’t have to worry about gum injuries every time you brush.
2. Efficiency
With continuous use, the bristles on your toothbrush get weak and lose their firmness. As such, they get bent on the surface of your teeth when you brush, making the toothbrush unable to remove plaque as well as penetrating in between teeth effectively. As a result, you are left with partially clean teeth and exposes you to the risk of cavities and halitosis.
A fresh toothbrush is in the best condition to perform its oral cleaning duties as intended. You can effectively clean your teeth as the bristles are still firm enough to penetrate between teeth and remove stuck food particles. By using a fresh toothbrush, you can be sure of your oral hygiene and fresh breath.
3. Keeps Away Bacteria
Toothbrushes are a haven for germs and bacteria, and also encourage the growth of fungi. After all, recent studies show that your toothbrush can harbor as much as 10 million bacteria.
It collects these micro-organisms every time you brush or from the surrounding environment and then harbors them for weeks, causing them to build up. Bacteria can also get on your toothbrush when you flush the toilet with the lid up if you keep it in the washroom.
These bacteria can significantly affect your oral health and even cause you to become ill as you re-introduce them into your body every time you brush.
To prevent bacteria build-up, ensure that you regularly clean your toothbrush and allow it to air dry. You can do this by removing debris stuck between the bristles and thoroughly rinsing it before and after use.
Also, you can use toothbrush sanitizers or soak it in hot water for more effective cleaning. Avoid sharing your toothbrush to prevent spreading illnesses and store it properly in an upright position after use.
A fresh toothbrush is mandatory if you are looking to keep your oral health and general wellbeing in top shape. Ensure you clean your toothbrush regularly and allow it to air dry to prevent bacteria and fungi, and also get a new one as recommended.
You can set a reminder on your phone or sign up with programs that deliver them every 3-4 months. This way, you won’t forget to change your toothbrush when you need to, and your teeth and gums will thank you for it.
