By Aspen Dental
When Should You Replace Your Toothbrush? Consider this scenario: you brush your teeth twice a day, floss every day, and take good care of your teeth, but they still aren’t as clean as you want them to be. You wonder what you might be doing wrong. The answer may be in your toothbrush. When was the last time you replaced it? If it has been longer than four months, it’s time to get a new one. According to the ADA (American Dental Association), you should replace your toothbrush (or the head of your electric toothbrush) every three to four months or when the bristles have become frayed because frayed bristles can’t clean the plaque off your teeth. After three months bacteria begins to collect in the bristles and it can’t clean as effectively anymore. Studies have shown that a new toothbrush can clean your teeth much better than an old toothbrush, and it doesn’t matter what kind of toothbrush you use. Whether you got your toothbrush from the dentist or you use an electric toothbrush, it won’t work as well if it’s worn out. You should also replace your toothbrush after being ill, or if you are not feeling well. Brushing your teeth can’t kill bacteria or keep you from getting sick. So make sure to get a new toothbrush after recovering from an illness, so you don’t reintroduce those germs and bacteria into your system and risk getting sick again. If you notice that your toothbrush isn’t cleaning your teeth like it used to, it’s probably time to replace it. Questions? Contact Aspen Dental for more information!
