Change Your Brush Routinely for the Best Oral Health

Do you brush your teeth twice a day, for 2 minutes each session? If your answer is yes, you’re taking an important step each day to care for your oral and overall health. However, did you know that your toothbrush needs to be replaced to keep your teeth and gums healthy? Old toothbrushes can reinsert bacteria into your mouth, cause bad breath, and even cavities and decay. Keep reading to learn when you should change your toothbrush and the type of brush to use for the best oral health.

When Should I Change My Toothbrush?

You should change your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or when you first notice your bristles fraying. If you don’t do this, you’re not alone. Over 75% of US adults don’t replace their brushes when they should, making this an incredibly common problem.

Why Should I Change My Toothbrush?

Check out some of the most important reasons to change your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months:

Damage to Your Gums

When your bristles wear down, they become sharp and jagged. This abrasiveness can cause scratches on your teeth and damage to your gums, which leads to gum recession and weakened enamel.

Germs and Bacteria

Bacteria can buildup on your bristles, making a toothbrush that has been used for more than 3 or 4 months a hotbed for germs. You should replace your brush to avoid putting harmful germs back into your mouth. You should also watch where you store your toothbrush. Make sure it’s far away from your toilet or other places that are infested with germs and bacteria.

Poor Cleaning

Possibly the most vital reason to replace your brush is that it no longer cleans your teeth properly once it’s worn. This leads to dental issues like cavities, decay, and gum disease because plaque and bacteria aren’t being successfully removed from your mouth.

Which Toothbrush is Best for Me?

There are 2 main types of toothbrushes: manual and electric. Either brush is great to use, as long as you maintain a proper routine. However, if you’ve struggled with cavities in the past or have dexterity issues, you may benefit more from an electric toothbrush. These brushes do most of the work for you, and they cause a vibration that shakes loose more bacteria and plaque on your smile.

No matter which brush you choose, keep it in a clean and safe place where it can dry easily. Be sure to rinse it after each use and try to store it away from other family members’ brushes to avoid transferring germs.

Keeping up with your toothbrush and when to replace it can be easy! Buy your family’s brushes at the same time and save the date. That way, when the 3 or 4 months are up, you can replace everyone’s brush at the same time. Use these tips to keep your mouth healthy and prevent dental issues.

Meet the Dentist

Dr. Gabriel Ruiz is a skilled dentist who takes pride in providing personalized care. He believes in patient education, which is why he wants you to know the importance of regularly replacing your brushes. He currently practices at East Brunswick Family & Implant Dentistry, and he can be contacted through his website or by phone at (732) 238-6660 for any questions.