When is the right time to change your toothbrush? 

One of the most important aspects of maintaining oral health is keeping your toothbrush in good condition. Due to a lack of information, most people tend to overlook this fact. It is important to regularly change your toothbrush and your kids toothbrush. In the information provided below, we will discuss the criteria for changing the toothbrush- brought to you by Advanced Dental Clinic East Delhi

When should I replace my toothbrush?

As per the American Dental Association (ADA) and Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), replacing your toothbrush every 3-4 months is highly recommended. This timeline is not fixed and can be changed based on the condition of the bristles of your toothbrush; if the bristles have frayed, then you should change your toothbrush sooner; also, you should watch your way of brushing as aggressive brushing can damage your teeth and gums too. For children, we at Advanced Dental Clinic East Delhi suggest you should change their brushes a little sooner than adults as they might have the habit of chewing the toothbrush. 

Why should we change our toothbrushes regularly?

The wet toothbrush harbors fungi, bacteria, and other microorganisms. These bacteria accumulate in the bristles and get into your mouth again while brushing. To protect our mouths from these bacteria, we must change our toothbrushes regularly. Parents must note these things for their children’s toothbrushes. 

Should I change my toothbrush after recovering from the infection?

Yes! It’s very important to replace your toothbrush after you recover from any sort of viral or fungal infection. The bacteria in our mouth can re-enter your body via the toothbrush and cause reinfection. 

Proper storage of toothbrush

The hygiene and lifespan of your toothbrush depends a lot on the way you store your toothbrush. As per the ADA and Council on Scientific Affairs, we recommend the following tips for toothbrush care and storage :

1. Your toothbrush should be kept upright. This helps it dry properly and prevents it from sitting in standing water, which promotes bacterial growth.
2. If two or more members live together, store toothbrushes away from each other, as this will reduce the chances of cross-contamination.
3. Make sure to rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after brushing to remove the remaining toothpaste and debris from the bristles, which will prevent plaque buildup in the future.
4. Moist environments provide conduction to bacterial growth, so make sure you air dry your toothbrush well before keeping it in a place.

Signs that you need to change your kids toothbrush

1. When you feel that their teeth aren’t as clean as they should be even after brushing, it’s time that you change your kids toothbrush
2. When the bristles have frayed and bend backward, you should buy a new  kids toothbrush
3. When you feel an unpleasant odor from the toothbrush, replace it immediately to avoid infection.
4. After they have recovered from any chronic infection, always change your kids toothbrush and switch to a newer one

Conclusion

Changing your toothbrush on time is a simple yet important part of oral hygiene. We recommend changing your toothbrush every three months or earlier if necessary to ensure your teeth are cleaned properly every time you brush.