Signs Showing It May be Time to Change Toothbrushes

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signs-showing-it-may-time-to-change-toothbrushesMany dental professionals will tell you about the importance of changing out and replacing your toothbrush. They will usually recommend that this is done about every three months or even sooner if there are clear and visible signs of wear and tear.

Replacing your toothbrush is important because there are many different kinds of germs and other bacteria that live on them and they can potentially cause reinfection later. If you have recently been sick but have not reached the three-month mark with your current toothbrush, it is still recommended that you switch it out for that very reason as well.

 

Other Signs

 

There may be signs of fraying or even missing bristles on your toothbrush; this means it has served its purpose and it is time for retirement. There are some toothbrushes available that will actually change color indicating that they are worn out, and it is time for a replacement. It takes the guesswork out of determining yourself if it is time.

 

Choosing the Right Toothbrush

 

Do you know what to look for when choosing your next toothbrush? Most dental professionals advise that you purchase a toothbrush with soft nylon bristles. Anything harder than that can actually hurt the enamel of your teeth.

You will also want to consider the size of the toothbrush, and you will want to make sure that it is small enough to reach all the corners of your mouth including the back molars and rear gum line. A larger toothbrush head may miss these crucial areas.

 

Extending the Life of a Toothbrush

 

Once the toothbrush has been replaced, there are also a few ways you can extend its life and maybe give it the opportunity to last you a little bit longer. Always rinse your toothbrush with cold running water after you brush your teeth to effectively remove any remaining toothpaste or other debris.

You will then want to make sure that you are storing your toothbrush in an upright position, so it has ample time to dry. Also, be sure it is not touching any other toothbrush or surface.

Finally, never share your toothbrush with anyone else. While sharing is good for a lot of other things in life, it can do damage when it comes to your oral health and hygiene.

If you need help choosing a toothbrush or have any other questions regarding your oral health, be sure to speak to the dentist to find all the answers you need.