Practical Advice from San Mateo Center for Cosmetic Dentistry

Are you wondering how often you should be changing your toothbrush? It may not seem important in the grand scheme of things, but it turns out that regularly replacing your toothbrush can have a big impact on your oral health!

An old and worn-out toothbrush will no longer be as effective at cleaning between teeth or under the gum line – areas where bacteria tend to build up and cause issues. So, if you want to keep up with good oral hygiene habits and make sure that your pearly whites stay in tip-top shape, here’s some useful advice from our cosmetic dental office in San Mateo.

Uncovering the Risk

You may think your old, worn-down toothbrush is doing the job – but think again.

Not only can bacteria build up on old bristles, weakening them over time and allowing microorganisms to remain stuck in your mouth, an outdated brush won’t be able to get to those hard-to-reach places in your mouth.

In addition, if toothbrush bristles become too frayed and worn down, they can damage your gums and enamel, leading to potential cavities and other problems down the line.

When you replace your toothbrush every few months, you benefit from the new bristles being able to more effectively remove plaque and bacteria which can otherwise lead to cavities and gum disease.

How Do You Know It’s Time?

It’s important to switch out your toothbrush every 3-4 months for optimal oral health, but it can sometimes be difficult to keep track of how long you’ve had your brush. A good rule of thumb is to check your bristles as a quick telltale sign. If you find that the individual bristles have worn down, spread apart and are no longer standing at attention – it’s time to give your old brush the boot!

Getting a new toothbrush following an illness is also a great idea. A brand-new brush ensures there are no lingering germs to make you sick again.

All in all, changing your toothbrush is a simple, yet essential step to keeping healthy teeth and gums. Take the time to check in with yourself between intervals and evaluate whether or not the bristles have begun fraying. With mindful practice, you’ll be able to enjoy strong oral health all year round!