The toothbrush is an object that you use in your mouth at least twice a day, so its cleanliness is essential for your oral health – here are a few tips and ideas about how to maintain your brush and when to get a new toothbrush.
General Rules
As a general rule, toothbrushes need to be replaced every 3-4 months, but if you have been sick, suffering from a flu or a throat infection, you should replace it sooner, especially if you store your toothbrush next to brushes used by others. Replacing your toothbrush right after you recover is important because bacteria from your mouth tend to accumulate on the bristles of the brush and if you continue using the same brush after you have regained your health, you risk an infection with the same bacteria or virus that caused your illness in the first place and you also risk infecting others through their toothbrushes. If your toothbrush gets damaged or if it starts losing bristles, you should also get a new one because frayed bristles will not clean your teeth properly.
Toothbrush Types and Replacement Intervals
Electric and manual toothbrushes are different in many ways and the type that you choose is entirely a matter of preference, but the factors that influence the replacement interval of the brush head of the electrical appliance are the same as in the case of manual brushes. You need a new brush head every 3-4 months or earlier if you have been ill.
If you use an electrical brush, you will probably get several replacement heads with the initial kit and you will probably be able to buy replacement heads for several years, but be prepared that sooner or later your model will become obsolete and the manufacturing of brush heads for it will be discontinued. If you can no longer buy new heads for your electrical toothbrush, you will need to invest into a newer model.
How to Maintain Your Brush Between Replacements
Whatever type of toothbrush you use, you need to keep it clean all the time. Rinse the brush thoroughly under tap water after each brushing to remove residues of saliva and of toothpaste as well as food particles and bacteria. If you want to clean your toothbrush more thoroughly, you can pour a small quantity of mouthwash into a glass and dip the toothbrush head into the liquid – the mouthwash will kill the bacteria on the bristles of your brush the same way as it kills the bacteria in your mouth when you swish.
Always store the brush in vertical position, with the brush head pointing upwards to allow the bristles to dry properly between to brushings. If you are traveling, store your toothbrush in a clean closed container or use disposable brushes while you are away from home.
With these tips about when to get a new toothbrush and how to keep the brush you are currently using in good condition, you can maintain a better oral hygiene, so paying attention to how long you use a brush means paying attention to your health.
And remember to visit your favorite Highlands Ranch dental professional for complete oral health.