With just a few exceptions, all food comes with a best by date or expires by a certain time after you’ve opened and started enjoying it. Some other inedible products also have a limited time when they are most effective; take toothbrushes. Your dentist will suggest changing out your toothbrush or your electric toothbrush’s head often, but what exactly does that mean? How often should this happen and why? In addition to brushing, what else can help your smile stay healthy? Read on to learn the answers!
How Often Should I Switch Out My Toothbrush?
You should start using a new toothbrush about every three to four months. Your toothbrush and its quality are essential if you want to keep your teeth clean from bacteria and plaque. When you don’t practice sufficient hygiene, these bacteria can cause tooth decay and gum infection, which can devastate your smile and have permanent consequences. This simple device scrubs your teeth of sticky, white plaque twice per day, helping to stop these negative outcomes.
Why Do I Need to Change My Toothbrush Often?
When you use an item daily, it can wear out over time, and because you need to brush twice, the bristles can lose their form and effectiveness more quickly. Continuing with your older toothbrush, your efforts may not be as successful at clearing away plaque from your enamel. By changing your toothbrush or head every three to four months, you can maintain the integrity of your cleaning and shield your teeth from bacteria.
Besides Brushing, What Can I Do to Improve My Oral Health?
Unfortunately, brushing—whether you do it with a manual or electric one—typically isn’t enough to protect all the surfaces of your teeth. In fact, it is estimated that about 30 to 40 percent of your enamel is missed when you only brush every day, which is why the American Dental Association strongly urges everyone to floss daily as well. Adding this small habit can make a substantial difference in the cleanliness of your teeth.
Even with thorough cleaning at home, some plaque may remain and solidify. The
two routine dental visits you have every year are designed to catch any developing problems, remove hardened tartar, and minimize damage to your oral health.
Additional lifestyle enhancements can make brushing more effective and include consuming less sugar and fewer carbohydrates in your diet, drinking more water over other beverages, and using an antibacterial or fluoride mouthwash.
Approaching the beginning of 2026, now is the perfect time to plan to switch your toothbrush when January comes around. Then, you can set the proper notification in your calendar and keep your hygiene on track.
About the Practice
In Orange, CA, Michelsen Dental has
three incredibly skilled and knowledgeable dentists on staff, who can answer even the simplest of questions when it comes to your oral health. Although they have been trained in complex procedures and treatments, they highly encourage prevention as the best approach for dealing with cavities, gum disease, and other oral conditions and problems. Would you like to make an appointment with us?
Contact us online or call our office at (714) 492-1169 today!
With just a few exceptions, all food comes with a best by date or expires by a certain time after you’ve opened and started enjoying it. Some other inedible products also have a limited time when they are most effective; take toothbrushes. Your dentist will suggest changing out your toothbrush or your electric toothbrush’s head often, but what exactly does that mean? How often should this happen and why? In addition to brushing, what else can help your smile stay healthy? Read on to learn the answers!
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