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when to replace your toothbrush

How often should I change my toothbrush?

Brushing your teeth is definitely considered to be one of the most important steps to execute in order to ensure oral hygiene. It helps to get rid of the food particles that are stuck in between your teeth after having a meal.

Ignoring this can lead to the formation of plaque and tartar and ultimately be the reason for the growth of infection-causing bacteria. Always remember that not maintaining oral hygiene for a long span of time can be the reason for your nightmare in the days to come

But, have you ever thought about the correct way of brushing your teeth or how often should you replace your toothbrush? Doing a thing wrong can do more damage than good. Keeping this in mind, we decided to come up with a blog that will have all the information related to the correct time of changing your toothbrush.

When should you replace your toothbrush?

Dental professionals advise you to change your toothbrush after using it for a period of 3 months. This has also been verified by the American Dental Association (ADA). It is said that toothbrushes that are overused go through natural wear and tear and as a result become less effective in fulfilling the purpose. 

Another thought that we keep at bay is germs and bacteria can also thrive on the bristles of your toothbrush. Therefore, it is advisable to replace your toothbrush after you have suffered a cold and cough or viral infection. It is essential to rinse your toothbrush and make it dry after usage.

You should also try to keep your toothbrush covered and in a dry place. The reason behind it is very simple. The bristles of your toothbrush can be the favorite spot for the growth of bacteria and fungus. 

Repercussions of not changing your toothbrush

Long Falls Dentistry is providing you with the repercussions of not replacing your toothbrush in the pointers below. Go through them and make sure to go to the nearby mart to pick up a new toothbrush at a proper time.

1. Overused toothbrushes become less effective in cleaning the plaque from your teeth. This can cause gum infection or other gum diseases. Gingivitis which is the first stage of gum problem can turn out to be a very critical issue if left untreated.

2. You can get sick if the toothbrush is not replaced after a notable span of time. As said before, fungus and bacteria can grow on the bristles of your toothbrush.

We hope that these outcomes are enough for you to replace your toothbrush on time (after every 3 months).

Tips to brush your teeth

Now that you have gained an idea about when to replace your toothbrush, find out about the few tips to follow to brush your teeth effectively.

1. Maintain a time gap of at least 30 minutes to 1 hour between having a meal and brushing

2. Use a toothbrush that has softer bristles. Brushing your teeth with hard bristles can do damage to the outermost layer of the teeth – enamel

3. In case of teeth sensitivity, use a toothbrush that is specially designed for sensitive teeth. You can also use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your teeth

4. Try to brush at least twice a day. You should always brush your teeth after flossing. Do not be very harsh while brushing your teeth

Never hesitate to contact a dentist in case of any further confusions related to this topic. You can book an appointment at Long Falls Dentistry if you are looking for the best dental care in Carthage, NY.