From a young age, you may start brushing your teeth at least twice a day. Indeed, this practice is necessary to maintain oral hygiene. However, it’s equally important to know when to replace your toothbrush.
Many people don’t realise that a dirty or worn-out toothbrush can actually damage your teeth. Frayed bristles and harsh brushing can weaken the enamel that protects your tooth’s inner structure. As a result, it’s important to know how often to replace your toothbrush. Coast Family Dental offers top-rated care for your teeth and gums and can provide you with more information on this subject. Schedule an appointment to improve your oral health today.
When To Replace a Toothbrush
Some toothbrush brands might recommend how often to replace your toothbrush. However, if there is no recommendation, you should plan on replacing your toothbrush every 12 to 16 weeks. You can also replace your toothbrush earlier if the bristles become frayed and loose.
An old toothbrush can start to accumulate bacteria and grime that negatively impact your oral health. Waiting too long to replace your toothbrush could make your oral hygiene routine counterproductive. Keep your toothbrush clean to get the best results from teeth brushing.
When To Replace an Electric Toothbrush Head
The time to replace your toothbrush may differ if you have an electric toothbrush. While electric toothbrushes offer the same results and benefits for oral hygiene, their shelf life may be much shorter than manual options.
The small, circular toothbrush heads on electric toothbrushes have nylon bristles that are more prone to wearing out and fraying. Some models have coloured bristles that will fade to indicate when it’s time to get a new toothbrush head. Many electric toothbrushes will come with replacement heads to maintain the quality of your cleaning.
Other Reasons To Replace Your Toothbrush
Besides normal wear and tear, there are other reasons you might want to replace your toothbrush. If you use a toothbrush while sick, the bacteria and germs from your sickness will remain on your bristles. As a result, you might want to start using a new toothbrush after you recover.
Another reason to replace a toothbrush early is if your teeth start to hurt after brushing. In this case, you might be using a toothbrush that is too coarse and could be harming your enamel.
Finally, if you have oral surgery and bleed onto your toothbrush, you will probably want a new one, even if you rinse your toothbrush afterward.
Enhance Your Oral Hygiene With Dental Professionals at Coast Family Dental
At Coast Family Dental, we treat every patient like part of our family. We take care to provide each patient with a customised approach to treatment that prioritises your needs. Start improving your smile by calling to schedule a consultation with our dental professionals.
For more information on how often to replace your toothbrush or to schedule a new patient appointment, call (07) 5437 9000 to receive care from top-rated dental experts at Coast Family Dental.
