Dentist explains when to change your toothbrush
Illustrative photo (Freepik)
A dentist explains when it's necessary to replace your toothbrush to maintain oral health, citing Yahoo.life.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), which recommends brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, people should replace their toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become visibly frayed or worn.
That’s approximately every 12 to 16 weeks, or about four times a year. The association adds that replacing your toothbrush on this schedule is important because the effectiveness of the brush decreases as the bristles wear out.
New York-based dentist Victoria Veytsman says the best rule of thumb is to change your toothbrush once per quarter.
Though it may be unpleasant to think about, germs and bacteria can accumulate within your toothbrush bristles over time. Without proper replacement, your brushing becomes less effective.
To extend the life and efficiency of your toothbrush, it’s recommended to thoroughly rinse it after each use to remove any toothpaste residue or food particles.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this is a particularly important step for removing bacteria, blood, saliva, and other oral debris during brushing.
How to store your toothbrush?
After thoroughly rinsing, the toothbrush should be stored upright, allowing it to air-dry. Storing your toothbrush in a closed container (yes, even covering the brush head) encourages more microbial growth than leaving it in the open air.
After a thorough rinse, the ADA advises storing your toothbrush in a vertical position to allow it to air-dry. Keeping the toothbrush in a closed container (even around the brush head) promotes microbial growth more than leaving it uncovered.
There are many ways to remind yourself when it’s time to replace your toothbrush. Some electric toothbrush models alert you after a certain number of uses, removing any guesswork. Additionally, there are indicator bristles on manual toothbrushes that gradually fade in color as the brush ages, reminding you it’s time for a replacement. But you can also set a reminder in your calendar or simply write the replacement date on a disposable toothbrush to ensure you’re getting the most out of your routine.
