You rely on your toothbrush twice a day to clean your teeth. However, if you’ve neglected to replace your toothbrush when it needed, your oral hygiene efforts may be falling short. In some cases, a neglected toothbrush could be doing more harm than good. Regardless of the type of toothbrush you use or the stage of life you are in, it is important to recognize when your toothbrush has reached the end of its lifespan.
Here are 5 signs that you need to purchase a new toothbrush and throw your old one away:
- #1 Your Toothbrush Has Frayed Bristles
- If the head of your manual or electric toothbrush has bristles that are frayed, bent or broken, it is time to get a replacement. You can’t rely on a worn-out toothbrush to clean your teeth and gums properly. If you are brushing too hard these frayed bristles may happen sooner than the three-month mark.
- #2 Your Teeth Don’t Feel Clean After Brushing
- If you are confident in your brushing technique but fail to get that smooth and fresh feeling across your pearly whites after you use your toothbrush for two minutes, you may need to buy a new one. The removal of plaque, bacteria and food debris requires a well-functioning toothbrush.
- #3 You’ve Been Sick
- Most of our germs live in our mouths. If you have recently had a virus or other sickness, those germs likely migrated onto your toothbrush. To avoid re-infecting yourself every time you brush, we recommend replacing your toothbrush to stay healthy.
- #4 Your Brush has a Foul Odor
- It can generally be said that if something smells bad, it probably shouldn’t go in your mouth. A stinky toothbrush could be an indication of mold or bacterial growth. Treat yourself to a new one!
- #5 You Can’t Remember When You Last Replaced It
- A dentist will suggest replacing your toothbrush every 2-3 months, or when the seasons change (if that helps you remember). If you can’t recall when you last bought a toothbrush, it is probably time to part ways with your beloved oral hygiene tool.
At Peninsula Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, we help patients appreciate the role their toothbrush has towards their dental health and overall well-being. Are you giving it the TLC it needs to do its job? Call our Charleston dental clinic today to learn more about easy ways to maximize your dental hygiene routine at home.
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