On average, when is the best time to replace your toothbrush? Or, how long can you keep using the same toothbrush?
According to the experts, the best time to replace your toothbrush is after 3-4 months of use because, after that, the brush’s bristles will start to become worn and frayed, damaging its effectiveness in cleaning your teeth.
Does an electric toothbrush remain effective/safe longer than a non-electric toothbrush? If yes or no, why?
Scientists have observed that people who use an electric toothbrush have much healthier gums, less tooth decay, and tend to keep their teeth longer than people who use a manual toothbrush. The main reason why electric toothbrushes are better is that they keep gums and teeth healthy by removing plaque from them effectively. A manual toothbrush is heavily dependent on the technique used, and if the person applies too much pressure against the teeth and gums using it, they could permanently damage their dental health.
Common signs that it’s time to replace your toothbrush? (Bristle condition, etc.?)
Here are a few signs that it’s time you got yourself a new toothbrush:
- The bristles of your brush are getting frayed, worn out, or falling off.
- Closely inspect the bottom of the bristles. Is there any debris on the base? If so, your toothbrush is dirty, and you now need a new one.
- Did you use your toothbrush during sickness? If so, using it again carries a risk of re-infecting yourself with the germs.
- Living with your partner, parents, and children? High chance that you all keep your toothbrush close to each other. If you think or know your toothbrush has touched another, then get yourself a new one because germs and bacteria of other people are transferred this way.
- Remember, toothbrushes need a breathing space to allow the germs and bacteria to die out. Keeping them in a tight and packed space will do it no good.
Why is it unhealthy to use a toothbrush for too long?
Over time, the bristles of your toothbrush grow weary, and after 3-4 months of use, you will notice that some of them are missing. At this point, the toothbrush isn’t as effective as it was before to brush your teeth. Since the bristles are frayed, they won’t reach the inner places and spots, and the plaque won’t be appropriately cleaned out. According to the professional dentist in Greeley, a toothbrush contains around 1 million bacteria particles, most of which aren’t harmful, but some of them are. With time, they can grow, so it becomes dangerous to use the same toothbrush for an extended period.
Any tips for making a toothbrush last longer?
For those who like to keep their toothbrushes with them for a long time, here are a few tips to use to prolong their effective life:
- Run hot water over the toothbrush’s bristles to wipe out and clean off any bacteria and germs on it. Do this after each use.
- People who want better results and a cleaner toothbrush can dip it into an antibacterial mouthwash, effectively killing almost all bacteria and germs.
- Boiling your toothbrush isn’t necessary. However, you can dip your bristles into hot water for 30 seconds.
- Denture cleaning solutions are another great way to clean toothbrushes and wipe off any harmful germs.
- Ultraviolet light sanitizer can also be used to keep it thoroughly clean after every use.