Yuck! A dirty toothbrush. Would you stick that in your mouth? Old toothbrushes can be infested with germs and lead to an unhealthy oral situation. This can happen when you don’t change your manual toothbrush at least every three months. An electric toothbrush head should be switched out as often as the manufacturer suggests. Now, do you want to keep using that old toothbrush of yours? General dental care is important so a good place to start is by changing your toothbrush.
Professional Dental Cleaning – An Important Part of Your Oral Health
Keeping your teeth in good shape has a lot to do with how clean they are. While regular dental brushing and flossing works wonders to get rid of plaque and tartar, a professional cleaning is recommended every six months to a year. Some plaque and tartar can only be removed by a dental hygienist using specialized tools for the job.
An added benefit of having your teeth cleaned by your dentist or hygienist is recognition of danger signs. Things such as oral cancer, receding gums, and cavities are identified during your regular checkups. Early detection of these major concerns can help avoid further complications. When your mouth is healthy it helps your entire body stay healthy. Your hygienist will point out easier ways to brush and floss your teeth to ensure you are correctly completing the tasks. Getting particles out from between each tooth can prevent bad breath and bleeding gums.
Why Change Your Toothbrush
When you replace your toothbrush regularly here are a few benefits:
- More plaque and tartar are removed due to stronger bristles
- Your gums and teeth are protected from damage
- Reduces the chance of your toothbrush being an icky breeding ground for germs
Did you know?
- Germs Live on It – As hard as you try, germs will accumulate on your toothbrush over time. The longer you have a toothbrush, the more germy it will be. Putting this in your mouth can cause you to get a cold or flu. If you are already sick, then you are just adding germs back into your mouth from the bristles on your old toothbrush. Think about it. Do you want to miss upcoming vacation adventures because your toothbrush is making you feel sick?
- Residue Filled – Storing your toothbrush the right way is essential to keep it as clean as possible. So, what is the right way? Once your toothbrush is air-dried, store it in an enclosed container away from the toilet. If you leave your toothbrush in the open near the toilet, every flush sprays particles into the air and onto your brush. Eeww!
- Weaker – The bristles on your toothbrush weaken over time and after a while, they don’t have the cleaning power they had when new. This affects your general dental care. Check out the bristles to see how strong they feel. Are they frayed? This means it is time for a new toothbrush because frayed bristles are unable to clean properly along your gumline. A worn-out toothbrush will not get the results you need. If you have an electric toothbrush, it may have an indicator letting you know when the brush head should be changed. Even without an electric toothbrush will have manufacturer recommendations for when to change out your toothbrush.
How to Choose the Right Toothbrush
Choosing a toothbrush can be tricky. These tips will help you pick out the right one for your mouth.
- Size and Shape – Does the toothbrush head fit comfortably inside your mouth? As long as it reaches all your teeth and gums it will allow you to do a proper cleaning.
- Handle – You need a good grip to brush properly so an ergonomically designed handle is what you should look for. When you have control and great maneuverability you have the right toothbrush.
- Do you have sensitive teeth and gums? Soft bristles are recommended since they easily flex to eliminate plaque and tartar without harsh abrasion. There are even sensitive toothbrushes for your specific needs. Did you know a soft bristle toothbrush is good for everyone?
- It is best to avoid hard bristle brushes since they can cause more harm than good. Aggressive brushing with these toothbrushes can lead to enamel erosion and damaged gums.
- Electric toothbrushes use advanced cleaning technology to help you keep on top of your oral health. Many dentists will recommend this type of toothbrush since the rotating bristles rapidly move over your teeth with more consistency than manual brushing.
The Importance of the Toothbrush
Choosing a toothbrush is an important decision so make sure you pick the right one and change it out frequently for positive general dental care results. At Glenbrook Dental, we are ready to answer any questions you have and are here for all dental concerns.