Is It Time to Replace Your Toothbrush?

Take a close look at your toothbrush the next time you brush your teeth. You may discover that the bristles are much more frayed, flattened, or even discolored than when you first started using it. Not only are old toothbrushes unsightly, but research shows that they can put the health of your smile at risk as well. Your Love Field dentist explains how to tell if your toothbrush is past its prime and why you need to replace it.

When to Replace Your Toothbrush

Your toothbrush may not have an expiration date like the milk in your fridge does, but it does become much less effective after a certain period of time. Studies conducted by the American Dental Association indicate that a toothbrush’s bristles become frayed and incompetent after three to four months of use. However, they recommend replacing your toothbrush as soon as the bristles become skewed, which could be sooner than three months if you brush your teeth forcefully. Dental experts also encourage replacing your toothbrush after recovering from a contagious sickness like a cold or the flu to lower your risk of reinfection.

An Old Toothbrush Can’t Keep Your Smile Clean

Once the bristles of a toothbrush are flattened and worn, they begin to leave behind a considerable amount of plaque, even after brushing for two minutes. They also trap some of the bacteria and debris that are removed from your teeth, then redeposit them back into your mouth the next time you brush. This influx of oral bacteria and plaque increases your risk of:

• Bad breath
• Cavities
• Gum disease
• Oral infections

Tips for Choosing Your Next Toothbrush

When it comes to replacing your toothbrush, the two most popular options are manual and electric. Traditional manual toothbrushes are widely available, affordable, and easy to use. Modern electric toothbrushes on the other hand can be useful for those with limited mobility or bad brushing habits thanks to their built-in timers and sensors. Whichever type you choose, make sure it has:

• Soft bristles, which won’t damage your enamel.
• A handle that’s long enough to allow you to comfortably reach all your teeth.
• The American Dental Association’s Seal of Approval, which indicates it meets high standards of safety, quality, and efficiency.

Regularly and thoroughly brushing your teeth plays a key role in protecting your oral health, so it’s worth using the right tool. Investing in a new toothbrush every few months will keep your smile looking and feeling its best for years to come!

About the Practice

At Bear Creek Family Dentistry in Love Field, TX, we provide excellent preventive dental care to help keep smiles happy, healthy, and intact for a lifetime. During your biannual checkups, our experienced dentists use state-of-the-art technology to inspect your mouth and catch any developing issues as early as possible. They’re committed to helping you take charge of your oral health, so they’ll take the time to explain how your smile is doing and what you can do to care for it at home. If you have more questions about when to replace your toothbrush, feel free to contact them via their website or at (214) 350-5333.