Be honest: Do you really know how old your toothbrush is? Most people don’t do this either. Stick with toothbrushes until the bristles start looking like bedheads — or until your dentist gives you a free replacement after six months. Turns out, it was too late for both of them.
So if you’re brushing with the same old toothbrush twice a day and wondering why, your dentist still If you’re unhappy with your oral hygiene, here’s what you need to know about replacing that old thing. And if you’re already changing your toothbrush regularly, we have some tips to make sure you’re brushing properly and with the right tool.
How often do you need to change your toothbrush?
In general, you should replace your toothbrush with a new one (or toothbrush head if you’re using an electric toothbrush) every three to four months. But you should think of this as a guideline rather than a strict rule. The condition of your bristles, rather than the calendar, will ultimately determine how often you need replacement. “If you notice that they’ve become worn or damaged from brushing too hard, I would replace them sooner,” says Dr. Arthur Glossman, DDSA cosmetic dentist in Beverly Hills, California. Once hair starts to spread outward, they stop cleaning as thoroughly as they should. This is because they can no longer remove plaque from your teeth and gums.
Another chance to make an exception to the calendar rule? After you get sick. He says, “Our oral microbiome naturally contains billions of bacteria – some good and some bad. But when we get sick, the bad bacteria are present in overwhelming numbers and we don’t want to reintroduce those bad bacteria back into our mouth after we get better.” It’s an easy precaution to replace after recovery.
And if your toothbrush smells funny, has visible deposits, or just generally looks like something you wouldn’t want touching your mouth? This is the right time for an exchange.
What happens if you use an old or worn toothbrush?
It’s not the end of the world if you’ve been using a toothbrush long past its expiration date. According to Dr. Chris Classy, DDSa cosmetic dentist Apa Aesthetic Los AngelesDoing this won’t necessarily make you sick, but it can still compromise your oral health.
“Worn-out bristles lose their ability to hold the shape of your teeth, and leave behind plaque and debris,” says Dr. Classy. Over time, that means more bacteria and buildup – and a greater risk of bad breath, cavities, gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Worn out bristles can also cause you to brush harder, which can lead to more serious problems. “Increased pressure can increase tooth sensitivity and cause enamel to thin or wear away, making teeth more susceptible to cavities and causing gum damage, leading to gum and bone loss,” says Dr. Glossman.
Anyone who has struggled with oral health issues knows that it’s no walk in the park for them. Considering that a new toothbrush costs less than your morning cold drink, this is one of the cheaper health upgrades you can make.
More Toothbrush Tips
While you’re at it, here are some other ways to make sure your brushing routine really does its job.
Set a replacement reminder
Toothbrush unboxing isn’t exactly a memorable occasion. Set a recurring reminder every three to four months to eliminate guesswork.
choose soft bristles
You may think that a stiff-bristle toothbrush is ideal for getting your teeth clean and white, but Dr. Glossman says that’s wrong. Instead, he says hard bristles can cause recession or loss of gums and bone, as well as risk exposure and sensitivity (and resulting cavities) to teeth and roots.
