Did you know that your toothbrush is not meant to last forever?
If you do not replace a manual toothbrush or the head of an electric toothbrush when it needs to be, it can affect your dental health negatively.
How Often Should You Change Your Toothbrush?
If you follow the standard recommendation of brushing your teeth for 2 minutes twice per day, most dentists and the Indian Dental Association (IDA) recommend changing your toothbrush every 3 months or when the bristles of the toothbrush start to flare (spread outward), whichever comes first.
Every time you use your toothbrush, the nylon bristles are exposed to water and chemicals from your toothpaste. This makes the bristles a little weaker with each use.
Over time, toothbrushes go through normal wear and tear and become less effective at removing microbes (bacteria and viruses) and plaque (a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth) from teeth and gums.
Studies have found that toothbrush bristles break down and start losing their effectiveness at around 3 months from use.
Also, with regular use, microbes can hide and build up in toothbrush bristles. Hence, it is important to change your toothbrush regularly to avoid getting infected with the microbes residing in your toothbrush.
Should You Replace Your Toothbrush After an Infection?
If you have recently recovered from an infection, consider replacing your toothbrush even if it has not been 3 months since its use.
The microbes might still be present on your toothbrush and make you sick again. They may also transfer to other toothbrushes stored close by and infect others in the family.
Follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for replacing the head of an electric toothbrush, if you use one.
How to Maintain The Hygiene of Your Toothbrush?
To maintain the life span and hygiene of your toothbrush:
After use, rinse off and air dry your toothbrush thoroughly.
Store the toothbrush uncovered in an upright position and keep it at a good distance from other used toothbrushes.
Store your toothbrush away from the toilet, to prevent microbes from the toilet from getting on it.
When travelling, cover your toothbrush head to protect it from getting dirty.
If travelling with others, store individual toothbrushes in different cases.
If you cannot remember how long it has been since you changed your toothbrush, pay particular attention to the condition of your toothbrush head. It would be better to err on the side of caution and change your toothbrush sooner than later.
Take proper care of your dental hygiene and visit your dentist once in at least six months for a thorough cleaning and checkup.
Disclaimer: This article is written by the Practitioner for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.