When should you replace your toothbrush?
When should you replace your toothbrush?
We all know that one of the best ways to maintain good oral health is to brush our teeth twice a day and floss at least once, combined with 6 monthly hygiene visits your teeth and gums should be in pretty good shape. However if you’re brushing with an old toothbrush, then all this oral care could be in vein. Below we share 3 tips to know when it’s time to make the switch.
1. Splayed or frayed bristles
If your bristles are splayed or frayed then they aren’t going to be reaching all the parts of your mouth that need cleaning, especially those small cracks and crevices that harbour some of the most plaque. Once the bristles on your brush stop facing the same direction and start going every which way, it’s time to change it up. It could also be a sign you’re brushing too hard and need to ease up a little on the pressure.
2. Faded colour
Many toothbrushes have bristles with a bit of colour or marking on them. Another clear sign that you need a new toothbrush is once that colour starts to fade or is altogether disappeared.
3. Time
If neither of these signs are very clear or apparent then you can always stick to the recommendation of most dentists and replace your toothbrush every three months.
Interesting toothbrush fact:
A lot of people think that when they every time they get sick they need to replace their toothbrush. Not true. The bacteria in the mouth can’t survive in a dry environment, so you don’t need to go to drastic measures to sterilise you brush.
The most important thing is ensuring you’re using the correct method to brush your teeth and you’re replacing your toothbrush when it needs to be replaced.
