Even if you are brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, you will still be surprised that your dental hygiene might be compromised. It is so if you use an old and weary toothbrush to brush your teeth. When you use the same toothbrush for several months, then it is terrible for your teeth. It is easy to know when to replace old shoes or clothes. But how frequently should you change your toothbrush? It all depends on your toothbrush use, health, and preferences. Before you brush, ask yourself whether it is time for a new brush or not.

Here are a few signs that tell that you should go for a new brush:

• Your toothbrush bristles are frayed, falling out, worn, or falling out: When your toothbrush bristles cannot stand up straight or are tilted or bent, it's a sign to change to a new brush. Bent, frayed or worn-out bristles are less effective in eliminating the plague and other particles from your teeth than toothbrushes with good shape bristles. Another thing to remember is if your toothbrush bristles are bent or mashed, it's a sign that you are brushing your teeth very hard. Aggressive tooth brushing can damage the enamel of your teeth.

• You were sick: While it is essential to keep up your routine of brushing while you are sick, this also means that your toothbrush is getting exposed to a lot of germs that are floating around in your mouth. If you don't want to reintroduce those germs into your mouth after recovering from illness, it's good to purchase a new toothbrush.

• You've kept your toothbrush in a travel container: While travel containers are one of the best options for storing your toothbrush, they are not suitable for your toothbrush. They  generate a hot and moist environment that makes it difficult for the toothbrush to get dried. Therefore, replacing your toothbrush after traveling is always a good idea.

• Your toothbrush touches another toothbrush: It does not matter how nicely you are storing your toothbrush. It can still become home to bacteria in between brushings. The same is the condition for other toothbrushes as well. This implies that your toothbrush will pick up germs from the neighboring toothbrush. It may not be consequential, but in some cases, foreign bacteria can provoke illness. Better to remain safe than to be sorry.

• You have dropped your toothbrush: Even if you drop your toothbrush for a few seconds, that is enough for the brush to pick nasty bacteria. It does not matter where you drop your toothbrush; whether in the sink, floor, or any other place, it's best to replace it.

Kinds of toothbrushes

There are two kinds of toothbrushes to consider: Electric and Manual. Select one that is comfortable and makes you brush your teeth regularly. While a manual toothbrush is very portable and can be used every time you require it, it also makes no noise, and you have complete control over the pressure it puts on your gums and teeth.

On the other hand, an electric toothbrush needs charging and is quite cumbersome for taking along when you are traveling. The rotating movement of your toothbrush bristles makes cleaning between your gum line and teeth easy. Several electric toothbrushes have sensors that ensure you are brushing long enough and not pressing it too hard.

Maintenance of your toothbrush

It does not matter which kind of toothbrush you are using; it is essential to keep it clean. Clean your toothbrush correctly after every use to remove all pastes and debris. Store your toothbrush upright after using it and allow them to dry. If you store a moist toothbrush by covering, it promotes microbial growth more. Therefore, it's best to let the toothbrush bristles dry thoroughly after every use. In case you are traveling, properly carry your toothbrushes..

How frequently will you change your toothbrush? It is always best to keep a new and fresh toothbrush in your cabinet.

Your toothbrush is one of the vital oral hygiene tools. To make the maximum of your toothbrush and extend its lifespan, take proper care of your toothbrush after every use. Make a plan to replace your toothbrush every 3 – 4 months, and mark your calendars so you can remember when it's time to replace your toothbrush. Schedule an appointment with your dentist if you have any confusion or doubt about dental hygiene and using a toothbrush. MyDentalPlan is one of the best platforms with several dentists, and you can choose according to your preferences.

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About the Author:

Suprithi Choudhary, M.Pharm (Pharmacology) Medical Content writer

Suprithi is a Pharma Professional working as a medical content writer and previously worked as a Research Scientist and Senior Research Analyst

Education

• C.M Academy
• Attended the Panjab University- Chandigarh, Pharma post-graduate in Pharmacology

Special thanks to Dr Deepak Kulkarni, a dental surgeon with over 23 years of experience who proofread this blog. He graduated from the H.K.E's Dental College, Gulbarga, and has certifications in ACHS International Accreditation Education Plan; Advanced Rotary Endodontic - Restorative Continuum; and Leadership, Team Building and Customer Service Leadership from the Oscar Murphy International.