When children join an elementary school, one of the first things they learn is to brush their teeth twice a day for almost two minutes each time. After brushing their teeth, they should also floss them properly to clean them more. But did you know that most adults now know how often you change your toothbrush as per reports? As per recommendations from the American Dental Association; you must replace your toothbrush every two to three months or earlier if the bristles are fraying.
Why do they say so is because of:
The buildup of Bacteria: Once you have used your brush, the bacteria and plaque you removed from your teeth will reside on the bristles of your brush. It’s just like using a sponge to clean the dust; the dust will now reside on the sponge, the same way bacteria will now reside on the toothbrush. The longer you use it, the more bacteria it will be taking on itself.
Frayed Bristles: The second reason that will indicate that you should change your toothbrush is that the bristles of your toothbrush will be frayed. Frayed bristles mean they will be harsh on your gums and can lead to premature gum recession and inflammation in your gums.
Recover After Sickness: If you have fallen sick due to a viral infection or a regular cold and flu and now have recovered, it is time to change your toothbrush. That is because you used your toothbrush when you were unwell, and the bacteria and infection are now on the bristles. Using it again can lead to you falling ill again. Hence, it would be best to start using a new toothbrush as you feel better from the sickness.
Some Other Signs That It Is Time To Replace Your Toothbrush
Some other signs you must keep an eye out for are that the bristles will be worn out quicker if you brush your teeth with too much pressure. Once you see that the bristles are all pointing ins different directions, it is time to change your toothbrush.
How Can You Keep Your Toothbrush Clean?
It’s a very simple process. Rinse it after every use and let it dry. Do not store it in a closed place as it will speed up the growth of bacteria. Do not let other family members touch your toothbrush as it can transfer the bacteria onto theirs. Never use any cleaning agents to clean your toothbrush.
You are looking to learn more about how often should you replace your toothbrush? You can visit Sima Family Dental and speak to one of our specialists right away. Call us at 281-457-6444 to book your appointment.