Did you know: Many people don’t replace their toothbrushes often? Some replace them 2 to 3 times a year, which is almost two times less a year than recommended. Others use the same toothbrush for months on end, or until the bristles are so jagged and broken down that the toothbrush becomes useless.

Having a properly working toothbrush is crucial for oral care. It’s important that you remember to change it to keep your teeth in tip-top shape. One of the most common questions we get at Jamestowne South Dental is why I should replace my toothbrush. The guide below will answer all your queries.

How Often Should You Replace Your Toothbrush?

According to the Center for Disease Control, you should be purchasing a new toothbrush every 3-4 months. Or as soon as you see the bristles looking worn out. That’s because the damaged bristles lose their efficiency and can no longer provide the cleaning you need.

Using the manual toothbrush for longer than that can make it harder to remove food debris, take care of plaque and decrease the risk of tooth decay. If you are using an electric toothbrush, then you would be replacing the head every 12 weeks.

You usually have to replace the electric toothbrush head sooner, mainly because it has shorter bristles. They can wear down faster than with a manual toothbrush.

Is it bad to use a toothbrush for a year?

If the toothbrush is old and tattered, the bristles are flaring, then it can’t effectively clean the gums and teeth. Plus, it probably already has a ton of mold and fungus.

Reasons to Replace Your Toothbrush

Now that we answered the question, “how often should I replace my toothbrush”, it’s time to focus on why you should do it. Here are the top 5 reasons for throwing away that old toothbrush and replacing it with a new one.

A new toothbrush can:

1. Decrease the risk of bacterial infection
2. Effectively take care of plaque and bacteria buildup
3. Avoid damaging the gum tissue and tooth enamel
4. Prevent reinfection after getting sick
5. Reduce exposure to microorganisms, mold, and fungus

Can old toothbrush cause gingivitis? The longer you use a worn-out toothbrush, the bigger the odds of having tooth decay. Tooth decay can cause all kinds of dental problems, such as periodontitis or gingivitis. This is something to have in mind if you keep using that old and broken toothbrush.

How Do You Know When Your Toothbrush Needs to Be Replaced?

Can’t remember the last time you got yourself a new toothbrush? You are most likely well overdue. Smell it. Old and heavily used products such as these often develop a bad odor. The bristles have softer edges, and jagged ends, and look worn out.

The bristles should be standing up straight and give your teeth a thorough scrubbing. Make it a top priority to replace the toothbrush if another individual touches or uses the product. Or if you recently got sick.

Ask Your Dentist

Have you been thinking, “I need a dentist near me”? At Jamestowne South Dental, you get the best personalized dental care. We use the latest advancements in cosmetic dentistry, such as invisible braces, porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, and more.