If you’ve ever found yourself lying awake at night pondering the ideal frequency for changing your toothbrush, worry no more. An expert has provided insights on the topic, promising you a more restful sleep soon.
There are numerous small details in life that we often neglect. Changing bed sheets, replacing smoke detector batteries, or swapping out the coffee maker’s filter are tasks we could all give more attention to for a healthier and cleaner lifestyle.
One of these often-overlooked details is how frequently we replace our toothbrushes—or the heads of our electric toothbrushes if you use one of those.
Despite the daily ritual of brushing our teeth twice a day (which you should be doing if you aren’t already), it’s easy to forget that maintaining good oral hygiene depends as much on the quality of our toothbrush as it does on the toothpaste we use for that bright, confident smile.
To ensure your smile is as healthy and appealing as possible, dental expert Dr. Joshua Perlman informed the Daily Mail that your toothbrush should be replaced at least every three months.
If you ask me, that sounds quite reasonable.
While the reasoning might seem obvious, the expert notes that it’s more complex than just cleanliness.
The repetitive task of brushing your teeth twice daily can indeed wear out your toothbrush. Dr. Perlman points out that after three months, the bristles can become overworked. Since their job is to remove plaque, food particles, and bacteria, they need to be in optimal condition.
He stated: “When toothbrush bristles are overused they can become weakened or frayed.”
“When toothbrush bristles become frayed they lose their ability to clean teeth.”
If you’re someone who brushes aggressively and notices the bristles becoming worn before three months, it’s advisable to replace it sooner. Otherwise, you might be headed toward cavities and gum disease, which nobody wants.
“This is because the bristles are less effective than new toothbrush bristles that stand straight up and down,” Dr. Perlman explained.
“Frayed bristles cannot clean into tight spaces between teeth therefore plaque and food debris is often left behind.”
Dr. Perlman also mentioned that as your toothbrush collects more bacteria over time, it’s important to replace it if it starts to smell, change color, or after you’ve been sick.
Looks like it’s time for a new toothbrush.