Visit Our New Beyond Limits Project or whatever text Beyond Limits Project

How often should you change your toothbrush?  

June 1, 2020 - toothbar - 0 comments Austin Preventive Dentistry

Dental Health Tips

The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three months or sooner if your brush’s bristles are splayed. This advice applies to both manual toothbrushes and electric toothbrush heads.

A toothbrush with frayed bristles will be ineffective in removing plaque from your teeth. However, brushing too hard will wear down toothbrush bristles and your enamel, so try to brush the way your dental hygienist or dentist does when you come in for a visit.

It is also important that your replacement toothbrushes are soft-bristled brushes. Every time you come in for a visit at the Toothbar, a dentist will give you a care package with a soft-bristled brush. These brushes will become worn quicker than the harder-bristled brushes, but they are less abrasive on the surface of your teeth.

However, do not rely solely on your bi-annual dental visits to provide you with enough soft-bristled toothbrushes. There are other circumstances to consider when deciding how long to go before replacing your toothbrush, which will undoubtedly require that you replace your toothbrush more than once every six months.

If you have had any communicable diseases, replace your toothbrush after you recover to avoid contracting the illness a second time or exposing others to the illness.

Even if you have not been sick lately, toothbrush bristles can harbor bacteria that are harmful to your mouth if kept in use for too long. Not replacing your toothbrush in time can result in poor oral hygiene, leading to the development of gum disease. This is caused by bacteria build up or plaque hardening into tartar.

You can brush away plaque in the early stages of its formation. However, when plaque hardens into tartar, you will need the help of a dentist to remove it.

Your oral health is linked to the health of the rest of your body, so you want to do all that you can to take care of your teeth and gums in between dental visits. While you may have a good toothbrushing routine, if you do not have a good toothbrush, your oral health will not benefit.

You may be at risk for tooth decay and periodontal disease. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, over 90% of adults have experienced tooth decay. Additionally, The World Health Organization reports that 10% of the world population have had gum disease. These are, for the most part, preventable conditions.

Contact us

At the Toothbar, we have restorative, cosmetic and preventative dentistry. Replacing your toothbrush regularly is a way you can help yourself in the preventative dentistry department. Come schedule an appointment at our office in Austin to have us check in on your oral hygiene habits. If you already have cavities and gum disease, we can help you on your journey back to oral health as well.

Dr. Kimberley Barclay

Co-founder and owner Dr. Kimberley Barclay is actively involved in local and national dental societies, including the Capital Area Dental Society and Spear Education courses on cosmetic dentistry. She is also a member of the Seattle Study Club, one of the most advanced education groups for dental professionals.

Schedule Your Visit Now

Our team is ready to book your appointment. The proper Dental Care can make the difference in years to come. We don't just improve the
aesthetics of your smile, we make sure your dental health is set for the long run.

Schedule your visit now

#

This content was fact-checked by Dr. Kimberley Barclay and Dr. Lauren Jacobsen following editorial guidelines. Dr. Kimberley Barclay is actively involved in local and national dental societies, including the Capital Area Dental Society and Spear Education courses on Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Lauren Jacobsen is an active member of the dental community and engages in further education and training through membership with a local chapter of the Seattle Study Club and Spear Education courses.

Schedule Your Visit Now

Our team is ready to book your appointment. The proper Dental Care can make the difference in years to come. We don't just improve the aesthetics of your smile, we make sure your dental health is set for the long run.

Schedule your visit now