The next time you brush your teeth, take a close look at your toothbrush. If you discover that the bristles are worn down, frayed, or discolored, you may find yourself asking “When should I replace my toothbrush?” Not only are old toothbrushes unsightly, but recent studies indicate that using a toothbrush past its prime can have notable negative effects on your oral health as well. Your Covington dentist explains when you should start using a new one, and what might happen if you don’t!
Signs That It’s Time for a New Toothbrush
You probably know your toothbrush isn’t supposed to last forever, so just how often should you replace it? According to the American Dental Association and other dental experts, you should toss your old brush:
- After three to four months of use, or…
- As soon as the bristles become frayed, or…
- Once you’ve recovered from a cold or the flu.
These guidelines are designed to ensure your toothbrushing is as effective as possible and protects your mouth from plaque and bacteria. Ignoring them and continuing to use an old toothbrush can have serious consequences on the health of your smile.
Oral Health Effects of Using an Old Toothbrush
Recent studies have found that toothbrushes with flattened or frayed bristles leave behind a considerable amount of plaque, even after brushing for two minutes. Additionally, they can easily trap the food particles and bacteria that are brushed off your teeth and redeposit them into your mouth the next time you brush. This buildup of plaque and bacteria puts you at a higher risk of:
- Bad breath
- Tooth decay
- Mouth infections
- Gum disease
How to Choose Your Next Toothbrush
Thankfully, there are numerous options available to replace your toothbrush with. The two most popular choices are traditional manual toothbrushes and modern electric toothbrushes. Traditional toothbrushes are easy to come by, very affordable, and easy to use. On the other hand, electric toothbrushes can come with helpful features like built-in timers, modes, and sensors. Whichever option you choose, make sure that it has the American Dental Association’s Seal of Approval. Products with this mark have been rigorously tested and meet high standards of efficiency and safety.
Using a frayed, old toothbrush may leave your mouth unhealthier than before you brushed! Invest in a new toothbrush regularly to keep your smile looking and feeling its best!
About the Author
At MoreSmiles Dental Spa in Covington, LA, we offer the most indulgent patient amenities and state-of-the-art dental treatments so you can be as comfortable as possible while receiving the excellent care you deserve. Dr. James Moreau has decades of experience in advanced topics like full mouth reconstruction, smile makeovers, and laser dentistry, and has been named as one of New Orleans’ Top Dentists every year. While he and his team can help you overcome nearly any oral health issue you may face, they would much rather help you prevent them in the first place with excellent preventive care. They’d be happy to answer all of your questions about toothbrushes at their website or at (985) 809-7645.