So you go to the dentist as often as you should and have a good dental hygiene routine, but how often do you change your toothbrush?
In this article, we’ll discuss how often you should change your toothbrush to maintain oral health, signs your toothbrush needs replacing, how to know which toothbrush is right for you and how the experienced team at Bald Hills Dental can help.
How Often Should Your Toothbrush Be Replaced?
At Bald Hills Dental, we tend to follow Australian Dental Association guidelines, which recommend you change your toothbrush every three months.
If you don’t replace your toothbrush as often as you should, you run the risk of tooth decay, gum disease and plaque build-up.
Signs Your Toothbrush Needs Replacing
While you should replace your toothbrush every few months at the very least, there are certain indications that your toothbrush needs to be replaced. You should replace your toothbrush when:
The Bristles Are Frayed or Broken
Once the bristles become frayed or broken, they are unable to clean your teeth effectively. As such, you should replace your toothbrush (or your toothbrush head when using an electric toothbrush) when this occurs.
Your Teeth Aren’t Clean
If you clean your teeth and follow good hygiene habits, but your teeth still feel fuzzy or just not as clean as they should be, your toothbrush may need replacing.
You Store it in a Travel Case
Travel cases for your toothbrush are great, especially if you have an electric toothbrush with a built-in charger. But if you use them too much, you expose your toothbrush to all kinds of bacteria.
There’s a Bad Smell
When your toothbrush starts to smell, it’s a sign of bacteria. This means you should think about replacing it as soon as possible to avoid plaque buildup and other oral diseases.
You’ve Been Sick
If you’ve recently been sick, you want to avoid spreading the illness you were sick with. This doesn’t just mean protecting other people, but also by replacing your toothbrush.
How to Choose the Right Toothbrush (& How Bald Hills Dental Can Help)
Choosing the right toothbrush can often come down to individual needs and preference. For this reason, the best way to ensure you’re choosing the right toothbrush for you is to consult your dentist.
At Bald Hills Dental, we’ll use our experience and knowledge to help provide you with all the information you need to choose the right toothbrush for you.
To find out more about when you should replace your toothbrush, and other oral hygiene tips, contact Bald Hills Dental today for an appointment.
