Most people have similar routines. Similar routines in the sense that each and every day they brush their teeth – once in the morning and once at night. What’s much less of a habit, though, is the retiring of your toothbrush once it reaches the point of ineffectiveness (or, at least, much less effective than it once was). Our Niagara dental clinic discusses why you should be mindful of the lifespan of your toothbrush and when you should trade it in for a new one.
Types of Toothbrushes
Disposable/ Travel
These toothbrushes are often small and compact, making them much easier to travel with you. These toothbrushes typically don’t last as long as regular toothbrushes because they tend to build up bacteria rather quickly. This is because carrying a toothbrush in a case can lead to moisture buildup – moisture that breeds bacteria.
General
This is the standard toothbrush you receive from your dentist and the type of toothbrush most people use.
Electric
Electric toothbrushes are toothbrushes that use a battery or motor to spin the bristles of the toothbrush to clean your teeth. Although, this may sound like you are getting a much deeper clean, evidence suggests that the effectiveness of electric toothbrushes and standard toothbrushes are very close to being at the same level. Whichever toothbrush you decide to use comes down to a matter of preference.
Bristles
Some toothbrushes have small bristles, and some have large bristles. One thing to be aware of with toothbrushes with large bristles is that large bristles have the potential to damage enamel if not used carefully.
How Long Does A Toothbrush Last?
According to American Dental Association (ADA), toothbrushes should be changed, on average, about every 3 to 4 months. A seasonal item, if you will. This is for people who brush their tooth twice per day. The reason why this is an average is because different situations can cause your toothbrush to last shorter or longer than most.
For example, braces are known to wear down toothbrushes faster than usual. So, if you have braces, you should inspect it every so often to make sure the bristles are not yet frayed.
Another example is the sturdiness of your toothbrush’s bristles. Some bristles are stronger than others, meaning, they’re able to last longer. Always check to make sure your bristles are not splayed, bent or have lost their original rigidity.
Maintaining Your Toothbrush
Keep It Upright
When you put your toothbrush down for the night, make sure your store it in an upright position. This helps to dry out the bristles and prevent bacteria buildup.
Rinse After Each Use
Rinsing your toothbrush under cold water after each use is imperative to making it last. Cleaning the bristles of any debris or leftover toothpaste also helps prevent bacteria buildup and ensures you have a fresh toothbrush next time you brush your teeth.
Don’t Share
Sharing is caring, but not when it comes to oral hygiene. Sharing your toothbrush with someone else will expose you to the bacteria in this other person’s mouth. It is better to avoid this.
Store In A Case With Holes (When Travelling)
When travelling, make sure that the case you store your toothbrush in has holes in it. As mentioned above, keeping your toothbrush in a closed case locks in the moisture and can causes bacteria buildup on the bristles. Having holes in the storage case will allow air to flow through it, helping to negate these effects.
Change When You’re Sick
Of course, it’s unreasonable to change your toothbrush each and every time you fall ill. However, if there comes a point in time when you’re sick for a few weeks at a time in a short period of time, you may want to consider changing your toothbrush just in case.