Does your toothbrush look like it’s having a bad hair day? If so, it might be time to replace it. Yes, you do need to replace your toothbrush! How often should you replace your toothbrush, and when do you know it’s time for that old toothbrush to go?
Beavers and Broomfield Family Dentistry recommends changing your toothbrush every three to four months. We also suggest getting a professional dental cleaning every six months to remove plaque that can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Sometimes, though, you may need to change your brush sooner. How do you know when to change your toothbrush? Below are a few signs that the time has come.
When to Replace Your Toothbrush
How long does a toothbrush last? Usually, a toothbrush or toothbrush head (for electric toothbrushes) only lasts about 3-4 months, especially those with soft bristles. If you apply a lot of pressure when you brush (which you shouldn’t do), they can wear out even faster.
Children’s toothbrushes may also wear out faster because they’re smaller and because children brush hard and even gnaw on the bristles.
When should you change your toothbrush? Here are five things to look for to let you know when to change your toothbrush.
It’s Been 3-4 Months
As we mentioned, most toothbrushes only last about 3-4 months. That’s because the nylon bristles wear out from the pressure you use while cleaning your teeth. Electric toothbrush heads may wear out in 2-3 months because the spin and vibration add extra pressure to the bristles.
Manual toothbrushes and brush heads for electric toothbrushes often come in multipacks. We recommend always keeping a spare so you can change your toothbrush or replace brush heads when needed.
The Bristles Are Frayed
“Why do my teeth feel fuzzy even after brushing?” When we hear this question, we usually can guess it’s because your toothbrush bristles are frayed.
Your toothbrush bristles should be upright and firm to apply the proper scrubbing pressure to your teeth. If they’re bent outwards and frayed at the ends, that’s a sign of wear and tear, and it’s time for a new toothbrush.
The Color Has Faded
Today, many toothbrushes and toothbrush heads have colored bristles that fade over time. These are sometimes called indicator bristles or reminder bristles.
Once the bristles are faded to white, at least halfway down the bristle shaft, it’s time to replace the toothbrush.
You’ve Been Sick
Should you change your toothbrush after being sick? Reinfecting yourself with your toothbrush is rare, but it can happen. It’s best to replace your toothbrush after you’ve been ill.
This is especially important if your toothbrush is near those of others. Cross-contamination is possible; you don’t want your family to get sick from your toothbrush!
It Smells Bad
A stinky toothbrush is not a good thing! That smell could indicate mold or bacteria are growing on your toothbrush. That’s not something you want in your mouth! You should change out your toothbrush right away.
How Should You Brush Your Teeth and Floss?
Before you brush, let’s talk about flossing. You need to floss your teeth with dental floss BEFORE you brush your teeth. That’s because the plaque and food particles that come out may end up on the surfaces of your teeth. If you brush afterward, you can remove that plaque.
You also should use dental floss to floss your teeth at least once a day. Water flossers such as a Waterpik are great as a supplement but lack the scrubbing power of dental floss. You can use them as a supplement later in the day or to get around braces and brackets.
Once you’ve flossed, it’s time to brush. Make sure you get every tooth. Start with the outside, move to the inside, then brush the top of the tooth.
Be sure to brush well along the gum line, where plaque can linger and become tartar.
Other Brushing Tips
Once you’ve brushed, don’t rinse your mouth with water because you will remove all the fluoride your toothpaste just provided. If you must rinse, use only about half a tablespoon of water.
Don’t eat or drink anything for about half an hour after you brush and floss. This gives the fluoride time to chemically react with your saliva and absorb into the enamel to strengthen it. After 30 minutes, you can eat, drink, or use a fluoride mouthwash for extra protection. Just wait 30 minutes after using the mouthwash to eat or drink so the fluoride has time to work.
Should you brush your tongue? Absolutely! Your tongue will be covered in bacteria that will make their way to your teeth after you brush. Brushing your tongue removes as much bacteria from your mouth as possible.
Better Brushing in Fayetteville, AR
Routine brushing and flossing are vital to great oral health. Brushing your teeth with an old, worn-out toothbrush can reduce scrubbing power and leave plaque on your teeth after brushing. That plaque can attack your enamel and lead to tooth decay.
Make it a routine to replace your toothbrush regularly. You must also have your teeth cleaned professionally at least twice a year. Schedule an appointment at Beavers and Broomfield Family Dentistry for professional dental cleaning in Fayetteville, AR.