Chances are, if you’re taking the time to read a dental blog, you already know the importance of regularly brushing your teeth. There is no other singular activity that is more crucial to maintaining your teeth and gums in between professional dental cleanings and checkups. Yet your daily brushing could be less effective at cleaning your teeth and removing plaque, simply because the toothbrush you’re using may be too old or worn out. Worse, in certain situations a toothbrush can even make you sick!
Replace Your Toothbrush Every Few Months
For the majority of dental patients, it is advisable to replace your standard toothbrush at least every four months, and if you brush your teeth more vigorously, your toothbrush may need to be replaced every two to three months. Some toothbrushes have indicators, such special color-coded bristles that wear away and signal when a toothbrush should be discarded. Even if your preferred toothbrush has no such indicator, it is easy to determine when a toothbrush is worn out and less effective: if the bristles on your toothbrush are bowed out or even flattened, it is time to replace your toothbrush. It is important to check your child’s toothbrush more often than your own, as children’s toothbrushes often wear out faster than toothbrushes designed for adults.
Toothbrushes Can Carry Bacteria
You may have heard that you should discard your toothbrush after a viral or bacterial infection. While it is unlikely that you will re-infect yourself with the same virus from your toothbrush, it is possible for certain bacterial infections such as strep throat to reoccur from using a contaminated toothbrush after completing a penicillin regimen. It is also possible that if you store your toothbrush in the same place as a spouse, partner, or child who is sick or has recently been sick, the bristles can come in contact and transfer a virus, bacteria or germs. If you are concerned that your toothbrush may have been contaminated in such a manner, you can either choose to discard it or soak it in an antiseptic mouthwash.
At Weisbard Dental, we sell not only electric toothbrushes, but also replacement heads. They are less than Walgreens or Target and no tax! Please stop in at 5460 South Quebec Street, Suite 390, Greenwood Village, CO 80111
For over 30 years, Dr. Lee Weisbard, D.D.S., and her team have provided Colorado and beyond with the highest quality dental experience available. And it all grew out of her compassion for others and a love for the dental arts.
She has the skills and committed excellence in cosmetic, general, and dental implant dentistry that brings you the best dental care in Greenwood Village, DTC, Englewood, Cherry Hills, Littleton, and the surrounding cities of Denver. She has received numerous awards and honors, including the prestigious 2018 Colorado Businesswoman of the Year award.