Your toothbrush has been sitting in its holder looking sad and frayed for several weeks now. How did it get to this? In the morning when you brush you are sleepy-eyed, and at night you are focused on bedtime. Using an old toothbrush not only doesn’t keep teeth as clean as it should – it can also have health effects beyond dental hygiene. But, how often should you change your toothbrush?
Why is it important to change your toothbrush?
Changing your toothbrush is a necessary but often neglected part of oral hygiene.
We use our brush twice daily, trusting it to keep our mouths healthy. In order for your toothbrush to do its job, it’s important to change it regularly. Why?
Old toothbrushes aren’t as effective
Whether it is manual or electric, an old, worn down toothbrush just does not do its job well.
Bristles are not able to get between teeth or into tight spaces, and plaque just gets pushed around.
Old toothbrushes are filled with bacteria
It makes sense, right? You use your toothbrush to remove bacteria from your mouth. If you are not diligent about rinsing your toothbrush, bacteria begins to build up.
And, bonus fun fact: When you flush a toilet, micro mist from the toilet can travel up to 15 feet. If you keep your toothbrush stored in the open within that range, and you don’t close the lid when you flush…well, there’s that bacteria, too.
Old toothbrushes can damage gums
When toothbrushes are made, they are clipped to a uniform height. Each bristle is then slightly rounded to be gentle on gums. Over time, toothbrushes return to their jagged beginning, potentially damaging gums.
Any one of these reasons is enough to understand the importance of changing your toothbrush!
How often should you change your toothbrush?
In general, whether manual or electric, change your toothbrush every three months or when you notice that the bristles are worn or frayed. They may appear droopy and be worn down in the middle. You may notice that you can feel the plastic of the toothbrush handle as you brush. In that case, get a new brush ASAP! Your brushing is no longer effective with a toothbrush that worn down.
All toothbrushes should be replaced whenever you are sick, too. A toothbrush can harbor germs that can keep your illness going. You may want to replace your toothbrush a couple of times if your illness if long-lasting (e.g., the flu or strep).
In that same vein, keep a separate toothbrush for each family member. Although families share germs in a variety of ways, make an effort to keep everyone’s germs separate. There is some evidence that certain types of bacteria cause cavity. If this bacteria is transmitted from the adults in the family to the children, cavities may form in baby teeth.
What about children’s toothbrushes?
There are a few things to note for toothbrushes for braces and children’s toothbrushes. You may find yourself replacing both of these much more frequently than for the adults in the house.
- Toothbrushes for braces: Braces are hard on toothbrushes. Since hygiene is extra important while braces are in place, monitor your toothbrush carefully and change as soon as it shows signs of wear.
- Toothbrushes for children: Children may start out with extra soft toothbrushes that they chew on and gradually move up to a child-sized toothbrush with regular bristles (and then a full-size). Children are hard on toothbrushes, too. The fact that their needs change as regards toothbrush size means that you may end up changing a perfectly fine toothbrush out for a different size. This is normal. Don’t keep your kids in a baby brush because it still has some wear left!
How can I take care of my toothbrush?
You can take care of your toothbrush to prolong its life and keep it clean. The American Dental Association (ADA) has the following care suggestions.
- Keep your brush to yourself: Germs on the toothbrush head and the handle are the one thing that should not be shared with family!
- Rinse your toothbrush head thoroughly: Before you brush, rinse the bristles thoroughly under flowing water. Once you are finished brushing, rinse again.
- Store toothbrush upright: Toothbrushes that are stored laying down will not dry completely. This warm, wet atmosphere on the toothbrush head can feed bacteria and allow mold to form. Store your brush upright.
- Store toothbrush inside the cabinet: Remember the toilet mist? Enough said.
- Sanitize your toothbrush: While this is not strictly required, some people like to sanitize their toothbrush from time to time. No need to purchase fancy tooth-sanitizing liquid. You can sanitize your toothbrush at home by placing it into a three percent hydrogen peroxide or Listerine mouthwash bath and letting it soak for a few minutes.
Thinking about tossing it into the microwave? Don’t. The heat of the microwave can damage the brush or release toxins when the bristles melt.
How will I know when to change my toothbrush?
If you have put changing your toothbrush off for too long, there will come a time when your toothbrush just isn’t effective anymore and brushing your teeth is a waste of time.
If you can feel the plastic of the toothbrush handle when you brush, or your teeth just don’t feel clean when you are done, add a new toothbrush to your shopping list. Make it easy on yourself and pick up a multi-pack for the next time it needs to be replaced.
As with your toothbrush sanitizing solution, there is no need to spend major bucks on your manual toothbrush. Store-brand toothbrushes often work just as well. In most cases it is a personal preference as to which brand you buy, but make sure and go for a soft-bristled brush.
At AZ Dentist, your Phoenix area family dentist, we love to see your old manual toothbrushes. Bring them in today and get a fresh one with every appointment, or ask us which electric ones we recommend!
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