Tooth Fact Tuesday

When has your brush had enough?

Most dental professionals will agree you should change your toothbrush every three months. Studies show that after three months of normal wear and tear, toothbrushes are much less effective at removing plaque from teeth and gums compared to new ones. The bristles break down and loose their effectiveness in getting to all those tricky corners around your teeth. Most toothbrushes also come with a color strip that will wear away as the toothbrush ages. Electric toothbrush heads are usually ok for up to 6 months.  Always brush with a soft toothbrush! 

It is also important to change toothbrushes after you've had a cold, the flu, a mouth infection or a sore throat. That's because germs can hide in toothbrush bristles and lead to reinfection. Even if you haven't been sick, fungus and bacteria can develop in the bristles of your toothbrush —another reason to change your toothbrush regularly.

You want to make sure that you store your brush in an upright position so that it is able to dry out in between uses. You want to make sure not to store your toothbrush openly on your bathroom counter. Germs and bacteria can spread easily in this environment and you do not want them to end up on your toothbrush. 

~Kim