There are telltale signs that your toothbrush needs to be replaced, however, if you cannot remember the last time you got a new toothbrush – it is time to trash the one you have.
A toothbrush is a tool that was specifically designed to clean the teeth and gum line. The bristles are made to reach all of the nooks and crannies of the teeth and to brush away bacteria, plaque, and food particles. However, over time the bristles will become frayed and worn out, making your toothbrush much less effective than when it was new. The firmness of a new toothbrush works hard to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy between dental visits.
It is also important to take a minute and really think about what your toothbrush is doing for you. It is helping to rid your mouth from bacteria. And, how does that bacteria exit the mouth? That’s right – on your toothbrush. While it is extremely beneficial to vigorously rinse your toothbrush under running tap water after every use, this will not rid your toothbrush of every single bacterium. Give that another moment’s thought, will you? Bacteria will linger on your toothbrush, and the longer it is there, the longer it has to fester. This is especially true if you have a cold, virus, or strep throat. Those germs thrive in moist environments; therefore, your toothbrush should be replaced immediately following illness.
Your toothbrush is meant to be a helpful tool that helps you maintain optimal oral hygiene between dental visits, but it is only as helpful as it is clean. If you have not replaced your toothbrush in the last six months, it is time to trash it. Lucky for you, Gainesville Dental Group gives all patients a brand new toothbrush after every cleaning and checkup. Call today to schedule your dental visit. If you keep a regular schedule of visiting us every six months, you will be right on track for replacing your toothbrush regularly for years to come.
Posted on behalf of Gainesville Dental Group
