We all brush our teeth. Well, hopefully, all of us. However, there is more to brushing your teeth than the frequency (ideally twice a day)! The condition of your toothbrush is also vitally important to ensuring your teeth and gums are healthy and strong. Don’t be fooled: a worn-out toothbrush that is used several times per day is not a good thing for your teeth.
But how do you know when to swap out your toothbrush for a new one? Is it time to make the switch? The dental experts at Accent Dental Group are here to say…
Most Likely, Yes
If you are asking this question about your toothbrush, it is fair to assume that it is time to upgrade to a new brush.
Dentists recommend that a manual toothbrush be swapped out every 3 months. This frequency ensures that the bristles remain strong, intact, and effective at doing their job: cleaning your pearly whites and gums. Even if you happen to switch brushes on the earlier side, you are better off opting for a new toothbrush that can supply the clean your teeth deserve than riding out the last few weeks of a dying one.
Why is it absolutely critical to swap out your old toothbrush? Let us explain.
Worn-Out Brushes Don’t Clean As Well
It should come as no surprise that a worn-out toothbrush doesn’t have the same cleaning capabilities as a brand new one. As the bristles become frayed from bending and pressure, their ability to reach the crevices and gaps in your teeth diminishes. This also harms their strength to remove plaque and food from your teeth, potentially leaving more damaging material behind. This practice can lead to more cavities, fillings, and even gum disease down the line. If you have ever wondered why your floss smells bad, it might be because your old brush isn’t cleaning your gums as well as it should.
Old Bristles Can Harm Your Gums
Not only are old, frayed bristles not doing their job as effectively – they may actually be hurting you. The nylon used to make toothbrush bristles is smoothed out to allow for a less abrasive experience in your oral cavity. As the toothbrush wears down, the nylon strands are made sharper and coarser, which can cause them to wear away at your gums and even cause damage to your enamel.
Newer, healthier bristles are much better for removing plaque, but also for cleaning in a way that doesn’t harm your teeth and gums.
Old Toothbrushes Can Harbor Bacteria
Think about it – your toothbrush reaches all the darkest corners of your mouth every day. Over time, the leftover food and bacteria that remain on the bristles can build up, and you may actually be spreading these onto your teeth instead of removing them. Swapping out your toothbrush every 3 months is critical to ensuring your toothbrush has limited bacterial contamination.
Other pro tips for bacteria mitigation: store your toothbrush vertically if possible so the bristles can dry out more completely. Bacteria thrive in wet environments (which is why your bathroom is full of them), so drier bristles are better. Make sure to clean off your toothbrush with water after each use, and always get rid of a toothbrush you used during an illness.
Level Up Your Clean With Grïppi
If you are looking for the perfect new toothbrush, look no further than Grïppi. One of the major benefits of investing in a Grïppi toothbrush is that each brush is specifically designed to give your teeth and gums a deeper clean than other brushes.
With a special ergonomic grip that helps orient the brush properly in your hand, as well as the Smart Mark indicator that shows you when you are brushing effectively at the recommended 45-degree angle to your gum line, Grïppi looks out for you.
Grïppi also offers a subscription service that will send you a new brush every 3 months, as recommended by dentists! It’s a win-win.
Prioritize Your Oral Health with Accent Dental Group
The friendly dentists at Accent Dental will work with your unique needs to find the best solution for your teeth. To learn if you are brushing correctly, and what remedies might be available, contact Accent Dental Group today. Our approachable staff and advanced dental technology will provide all the tools and advice you need to give your smile a makeover. Find out more at our website: accentdentalgroup.com.