We all have that one item in our lives we can’t seem to part with. Your toothbrush should not be one of them!

Your toothbrush plays an important role in maintaining good oral hygiene and overall health. This is why you should replace yours at least every three to four months. Studies show that after three months of normal wear and tear, your toothbrush is much less effective at removing plaque from your teeth and gums in comparison to a new toothbrush. When the bristles of a toothbrush become frayed and worn out, they can do more harm than good, especially since it’s more of a struggle to get to all those tricky corners and gaps around your teeth. This is a clear enough sign that your toothbrush needs a change.

It is also important to change your toothbrush after you’ve been sick. Whether it’s the common cold or flu, or if you’ve had a mouth or throat infection, germs can hide in toothbrush bristles, and because of the moist bristles, bacteria and microorganisms can thrive on your toothbrush and may lead to re-infection.

While the bacteria found on your toothbrush are not harmful to you, it is still a good idea to replace your toothbrush, unless stated otherwise. Electric toothbrushes, for instance, don’t need to be replaced as often as traditional toothbrushes. Some electric toothbrushes have very good brush heads that only need to be changed every six months. 

Knowing when to change your toothbrush is doing your oral health a huge favour. Flossing is another. Find out the importance of flossing now.
   
Article by: Kelly Abrahams

We all have that one item in our lives that we just can’t seem to part with. Your toothbrush should not be one of them!