How long have you used your current toothbrush? When you look at it, have the bristles become soft and damaged? If the answer is yes, then it’s time for you to change your toothbrush.
If you’re practising strong oral hygiene every day, this means you’re using your toothbrush twice a day. The bristles on the toothbrush help to collect bacteria off your teeth to keep them clean, however, like most things, bristles have their shelf life as well, and will likely need to be replaced.
When the bristles on your toothbrush become soft, they’re literally unusable. Soft bristles can no longer collect bacteria as effectively as a new toothbrush would, rather the bacteria spreads across your teeth, causing a further risk to your enamel.
So, How Often Should You Change Your Toothbrush?
Your toothbrush acts as a first line of defence against the bacteria which can cause tooth decay and enamel erosion if they remain on teeth. If you use standard recommendations of brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day, steps are being made to keep bacteria off your teeth.
At the rate of use, the bristles on your brush are likely to become softer and twisted within 3 to 4 months. Therefore, within this period, your toothbrush should be replaced. Although, a caveat to this is how well you brush your teeth. Those who brush their teeth vigorously may experience faster damage to their toothbrush than first anticipated.
Do You Brush Your Teeth Too Hard?
Regardless of how often you brush your teeth, what is equally important is how well you brush your teeth. This doesn’t include brushing your teeth hard, because doing so will actually damage your oral health. Dentists state that when brushing too hard, not only will the bristles become damaged quicker, but they can no longer collect bacteria.
When brushing teeth too hard, something called “toothbrush abrasion” occurs. This means that overbrushing can lead to sensitivity of teeth, gum recession and wear down enamel. Bacteria can especially penetrate inside the gums and into the bloodstream, causing periodontal disease.
Change Your Toothbrush To Help With Oral Health Issues
The dentist should always ask you whether you change your toothbrush regularly. If your toothbrush is causing gum recession, damage to molars or chipped teeth, for example, changing a toothbrush can make a positive difference.
If you’ve contracted an illness, then your toothbrush will also need to be replaced as the bacteria contamination will cause further oral health issues. Your teeth go through a lot, and it is vitally important that you keep them strong and clean with a toothbrush that is regularly changed for the best smiling results.
Not changing your toothbrush is a common oral hygiene mistake people make. If your toothbrush needs changing, make sure you do so immediately.
We at Integrated Smiles Bendigo will gladly help you keep your teeth and gums strong by offering the advice you need. Simply contact us to book yourself in for a check-up today!
